Gómez signing officially announced, Pedro linked to Liverpool & other Brighton news from the last 7 days (Brighton news roundup Dec. 8-14)
The Seagulls take on Crystal Palace tomorrow at 2:00pm GMT (9:00am ET), while Brighton Women host Tottenham at 5:30pm GMT (12:30pm ET). Before these big matches, let’s catch up on all the Brighton news from the last seven days that you might have missed.
Transfer News
Incoming Transfers
Diego Gómez - Seagulls officially announce deal for Inter Miami midfielder
After being confirmed by the player, his agent, and multiple MLS reporters months ago, Brighton have officially announced the signing of Paraguayan midfielder Diego Gómez from Inter Miami.
The 21-year-old will join the club in January. Most reports claim the Seagulls paid around $15m for Gomez (up to $18m with add-ons), making him one of the top 10 most expensive players in MLS history.
Rocco Reitz - Brighton among clubs interested in triggering €20m release clause
According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Patrick Berger, Brighton are one of multiple clubs interested in signing Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Rocco Reitz. The 22 year old has a €20m release clause that comes into effect in 2026.
Berger also claims that Inter Milan are interested in Reitz. However, Gladbach have no interest in selling the German U21 international. They would like to keep him and “make him the face of the club.”
Outgoing Transfers
João Pedro - Liverpool, other big clubs “monitoring” Brighton forward
Brazilian outlet UOL reported on Thursday that João Pedro is one of Liverpool’s main targets for the next two transfer windows. The Merseyside club have been monitoring Pedro for almost five years and plan on starting negotiations with Brighton in January. UOL also say Manchester United are interested in the forward.
In the wake of this report, other outlets began linking Pedro with other big clubs. TBR Football claim Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich are in the mix and that Brighton will demand £100m for the Brazilian. Fichajes say Arsenal are interested in signing the "new Premier League sensation” for between €55m-€65m.
Bart Verbruggen - Bayern keeping close tabs on Seagulls No. 1
Florian Plettenberg has again reported that Bayern Munich are keeping tabs on Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen as a potential replacement for Manuel Neuer. However, Plettenberg says that Verbruggen is currently just a contingency plan should Bayern lose Alexander Nübel before Neuer leaves the club.
Other News
Paraguay boss disappointed by Enciso’s lack of minutes at Brighton
In an interview with ABC TV, Paraguay manager Gustavo Alfaro was asked about Julio Enciso and his current situation at Brighton. Alfaro revealed that Enciso’s lack of game time is not surprising as Fabian Hurzeler has made it clear to La Joya that he wants to see more from the Paraguayan.
Alfaro added that he hopes Brighton and Enciso can find a solution that leads to more game time for the young attacker.
“Brighton needs Julio to get some minutes,” he said, “I think that, between the agent and everyone else, they will try to give him a chance to stay in Europe to get minutes…He is a very important player. The more minutes he gets, the better he will perform.”
Albion fined £20,000 for breaching youth development rules
The Premier League have fined Brighton £20,000 and issued a suspended six-month ban on academy player transfers for violating the Premier League’s Youth Development Rules.
Specifically, Brighton communicated with a player who had already been registered or entered into a pre-registration agreement with another club without the other club’s permission.
Brighton Academy Recruitment Manager leaves club
The Seagulls scouting department shake up continued this week with Brighton’s Academy Recruitment Manager David Wright leaving the club. He had been with Brighton for the last six years.
Wright is the seventh member of the club’s scouting and recruitment department to leave the club this month. You can read a full breakdown of the outgoings in this piece from the Training Ground Guru.
Seagulls tell Croatian club to change badge
Brighton have asked Croatian third-tier side NK Jadran Galeb to change their badge after a fan of the Adriatic Seagulls asked the Albion for a “symbolic donation” of equipment.
This request alerted Brighton to the striking similarities between the two badges (see above). No formal legal action has been taken by the club yet, but something could develop should NK Jadran Galeb refuse to change their crest.
Brighton honored with Freedom of the City
The Brighton & Hove City Council have awarded the Albion with the Freedom of the City of Brighton. Councillor Bella Sankey, a lifelong Brighton fan, presented the award to the club on Wednesday.
“Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club has a long history serving the city, bringing joy, pride and inspiration to generations of residents…I’m delighted to have granted Freedom of the City – our city’s highest honour - and let the club know that the whole city is behind them, now and as they continue to thrive and grow,” Sankey said.
Injury News
All quotes are from Fabian Hurzeler unless otherwise noted.
Joel Veltman was close last weekend. There is a 50-50 chance that he plays in tomorrow’s match.
Jack Hinshelwood is “40-60.”
Ferdi Kadioglu is “20-80.”
James Milner is “10-90.”
Solly March “is getting closer. He could be a possible option, but we need to be really patient with him now. He has had a full training week and he's doing well.”
Loan Spotlight
Valentin Barco is still out of the Sevilla squad. He did not play in the club’s match last weekend against Atletico Madrid, despite an injury to Sevilla’s starting left back Adrià Pedrosa. In brighter news, Barco and his partner announced that they are expecting their first child.
Amario Cozier-Duberry made a 7-minute cameo appearance for Blackburn on Wednesday. The 19-year-old has played in just seven matches for John Eustace’s side. The Rovers play today at 3:00pm GMT (10:00am ET).
Jeremy Sarmiento played 60 minutes for Burnley in the club’s 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough last weekend and all 90 minutes of the Claret’s 0-0 draw with Derby County. The Ecuadorian should start again tomorrow for Burnley when they play Norwich at 3:00pm GMT (10:00am ET).
I feel like Buonanotte (and maybe even Enciso) are the natural replacements to João Pedro, who I can see leaving in the coming seasons. Fantastic player who deserves CL football. Will also be interesting to see how Gómez lines up.