Two more wonderkid signings confirmed, Brighton Women hire a new manager, & other Brighton news from the last 7 days (Brighton news roundup July 7-13)
The Albion's spending spree continues.
We’re less than two weeks into the European transfer window and only one Premier League club has spent more than Brighton so far. Let’s get up to speed on the latest Seagulls signings, transfer rumors, and other Brighton news from the past week.
Transfer News
Incoming Transfers
Malick Yalcouyé - Brighton confirm wonderkid signing
After being rumored for weeks, Brighton have officially signed Malian wonderkid Malick Yalcouye from Swedish club IFK Göteborg. The club have not disclosed the actual transfer fee. Most reports claim Brighton paid around £9m for the 18-year-old.
Amario Cozier-Duberry - Seagulls swoop up Arsenal U23 player
Young winger Amario Cozier-Duberry has signed a four-year contract with Brighton. He formerly played for Arsenal U23 and youth teams. Some even labeled him “the next Saka.”
Cozier-Duberry could be a part of the first team this season. However, if Fabian Hürzeler decides he is not ready, there are reportedly “plenty of Championship clubs interested" in having Cozier-Duberry in on loan this season.
Brighton Women sign four new players
The Men’s team are not the only one spending big this summer. Brighton Women confirmed the signings of Marit Auee (CB, FC Twente), Rachel McLauchlan (RB, Rangers), Bex Rayner (MF, Sheffield United), and Hannah Poulter (GK, USC) this week.
Ibrahim Osman - Signing officially joins the Albion
Brighton announced the signing of Ibrahim Osman from FC Nordsjælland back in February. The club announced on social media this week that the young Ghanaian attacker has officially now made the move to Brighton to join the rest of the first team.
Josip Šutalo - Brighton in the mix for Ajax center back
Italian transfer expert Gianluca Dimarzio has reported that Brighton have made contact with Ajax center back Josip Šutalo. The 24-year-old Croatian is reportedly “evaluating other opportunities” amid interest from many clubs in Europe, including Brighton.
West Ham, Fiorentina, and Bayer Leverkusen are also reportedly interested. Ajax will ask for significant compensation for Šutalo. No price is actually quoted.
Ferdi Kadioglu - Albion bid for versatile Turkish star
Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu reported this week that Brighton had “made official contact” with Fenerbahce defender Ferdi Kadioglu. It was later reported by multiple outlets in Turkey that Brighton had a £30m-£35m bid for Kadioglu rejected by Fenerbahce.
José Mourinho’s side had also rejected a £21.5m bid from Dortmund. They have reportedly placed a £45m price tag on Kadioglu and will continue to reject offers below that valuation.
Maximilian Beier - Brighton interested in Bundesliga breakout star
Sport Bild reported in their magazine this week that TSG Hoffenheim could sell 21-year-old forward Maximilian Beier to help alleviate the club’s current financial problems.
Brighton were named as one of the main contenders to sign Beier, along with Aston Villa, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United.
Outgoing Transfers
Deniz Undav - Brighton reject €23m bid from Stuttgart
The Deniz Undav transfer saga rumbled on this week with Brighton reportedly rejecting a €23m (£19.8) bid from Stuttgart for the striker. The 27-year-old was also spotted at Stuttgart’s training facilities this week.
Despite the rejected bid, the German club remains confident of signing Undav. “He is committed to us 100%,” Stuttgart CEO Alexander Wehrle said to Fussball News on Thursday. However, he stressed that the club will not “exceed certain limits” to sign Undav.
Pascal Groß - Dortmund and Brighton finalizing transfer agreement
Sports Bild has reported that Pascal Groß has agreed to a two-year contract with Borussia Dortmund. Süddeutsche Zeitung now reports that Brighton and Dortmund are close to agreeing to a deal for the German international.
Neither club has confirmed that talks are ongoing. However, Eintracht Frankfurt boss Dino Toppmöller told media in Germany this week that his club’s pursuit of Groß is over because the player’s future is “settled.”
Jason Steele - Southampton preparing a bid for veteran GK
Southampton have renewed their interest in Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele. According to TEAMtalk, the Saints believe they can convince Steele to join them as their No. 1 goalie following Bart Verbruggen’s strong performance at the Euros.
Simon Adingra - De Zerbi looking to bring in a familiar face from Brighton
The Sun has reported that 22-year-old winger Simon Adingra is on Marseille’s transfer shortlist. Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly keen on bringing in Adingra if his new club is unable to sign disgraced Manchester United winger Mason Greenwood.
Jeremy Sarmiento - Aberdeen linked to Ecuadorian attacker
Multiple outlets from Ecuador have reported this week that Jeremy Sarmiento could be on his way out of Brighton. Mercado Futbol EC claim Aberdeen is the most likely club to sign him. His father, Leonel, told Ole that his son would look for a club in Germany or Spain if he were to leave Brighton.
Ben Jackson - Defender joins Livingston on loan
20-year-old defender Ben Jackson has signed a new contract through June 2025. He has also been sent out on loan to Scottish Championship side Livingston.
Other News
Brighton Women announce new permanent manager
Dario Vidosic has been announced as the new Brighton Women manager. He replaces interim boss Mikey Harris, who led the Seagulls to a 9th place finish in the WSL last season after taking over in February.
Vidosic, 37, is a former Australia international. He led Melbourne City Women to an A-League Women’s championship last season.
Killian Cahill signs new contract
Brighton Under 21s goalkeeper Killian Cahill has signed a new contract that will keep him at the club through June 2025. U21’s head coach said he expects Cahill to be regularly involved with the first team this season.
First pre-season friendly announced
Brighton will play La Liga club Villarreal in their final preseason friendly before the start of the 2024/25 Premier League season. The match has been scheduled for Saturday, August 10th at 3pm.
Anthony Knockaert announces his retirement
Brighton cult hero Anthony Knockaert announced his retirement from football this week at the age of 32. The Frenchman joined the club midway through the 2015/16 season. He played an instrumental role in securing promotion to the Premier League the following year.
In his retirement announcement, Knockaert described his time at Brighton as the best years of his career.
Albion racks up awards
At the Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards, the Albion won the Best Overall Matchday Hospitality Experience for the Tunnel Club and the overall Matchday Hospitality Award.
The Premier League also recognized Brighton with its Advanced Level of the Premier League Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard award. You’ll never sing that etc.