Brighton & Hove Albion head into the 2026-27 Premier League season carrying European ambitions for just the second time in their history — yet the mood around the Amex Stadium feels more cautious than celebratory.

The Seagulls secured a place in the UEFA Conference League by finishing eighth, but the path there was anything but smooth. Fabian Hurzeler's side lost their final two fixtures and required other results to go their way to even confirm Conference League qualification, let alone a higher berth in Europe.

A season of two halves

Few clubs endured a more dramatic mid-season collapse. By Valentine's Day, Brighton had won just once in 13 league games, crashing out of the FA Cup and drawing comparisons to relegation candidates. A vocal minority called for Hurzeler to be dismissed.

Owner Tony Bloom held firm. Brighton then won seven of their next 10 matches, keeping alive a faint hope of Champions League qualification on the final day. That hope did not materialise, but the Conference League remained a worthy reward for Bloom's patience.

The episode echoed a broader lesson Brighton already know well from their 2023-24 European adventure: Thursday night football takes a toll on domestic form, and squad depth is not optional — it is essential.

Recruitment shapes everything

Three experienced figures depart in Solly March, Adam Webster, and James Milner, trimming what little senior leadership remained in the dressing room. Right-back Costinha arrives ready to contribute, while central defenders Luka Vuskovic — a Croatian club-record signing from Tottenham Hotspur for £46 million, still only 19 — and Pascal Struijk bolster the backline.

Vuskovic's integration will be crucial. His arrival was necessitated by the £52 million sale of Jan Paul van Hecke to Tottenham Hotspur, meaning the teenager steps immediately into a starting role under the European spotlight.

Wide-attacking depth was exposed as a weakness last season, making the signing of AIK winger Zadok Yohanna — a classic Tony Bloom data-driven profile — one to watch closely.

Hurzeler finds his footing

The 33-year-old head coach divided Brighton supporters for much of his first season. His public remarks about Arsenal's style of play drew a cool response from Mikel Arteta, but resonated warmly with the Amex faithful and appeared to signal a turning point in his relationship with the fanbase.

Back-to-back eighth-place finishes suggest steady progress, even if Roberto De Zerbi's legacy cast a long shadow. With a younger squad, Hurzeler must now become the leader the dressing room needs.

Key player and top scorer

Pascal Gross, 35, remains the heartbeat of Brighton's midfield. Devoid of electric pace but rich in technical quality and tactical intelligence, his experience will be indispensable across a congested fixture schedule.

Danny Welbeck finished as the club's leading scorer last season with 14 goals in all competitions. However, a move to Chelsea is reported to be under consideration, which would leave Brighton needing a replacement before the season begins.

One to watch

Nineteen-year-old striker Charalampos Kostoulas showed glimpses of serious talent in limited appearances, including a memorable overhead kick against Bournemouth. If Welbeck departs, Kostoulas could find himself thrust into a larger role sooner than expected.

FourFourTwo predicts Brighton will finish 9th. Conference League progress could define the season — Crystal Palace proved Europe's third-tier competition is winnable for a Premier League side willing to take it seriously.