Brighton & Hove Albion

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Former Brighton striker Warren Aspinall says "it's not fair" if the future of Carlos Baleba - who has previously been linked with Manchester United - becomes a distraction this summer.

Speaking on BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast, Aspinall said: "Is Baleba going to go? We don't want that hanging over us for the next three weeks.

"If he's going, just get rid - or get your mind set and stay with us. It's not fair for the player. It's not fair for the fans. It's not fair for the football club.

"They'll hang on for every penny but sometimes you have to think, we know a figure and we need to let him go."

"His mind is probably not at Brighton. It's only Manchester United coming up now, isn't it? United are in for everybody, though."

Listen to the full episode of Albion Unlimited on BBC Sounds

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Brighton have released their new 2026-27 home and away kits, inspired by the 1983 FA Cup final.

The new home shirt is royal blue with a printed white pinstripe and contrasting white neckline while the new away shirt is flipped with a white base, printed royal blue pinstripes and contrasting royal blue neckline.

Both shirts are paired with matching shorts and socks.

The club say the two kits celebrate the "beautiful duality of our journey" while "blending our 1983 heritage with a bold vision for the future".

A new episode of BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast is now available.

Johnny Cantor and Warren Aspinall discuss the transfer window after Tony Bloom said "there is more to come" from Brighton this summer, with Mike Cave taking centre stage as sporting director.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Brighton content on BBC Sounds

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Brighton have promoted Mike Cave to the role of sporting director.

Cave, who previously served as technical director and assistant technical director, first joined the club in November 2022.

He succeeds Jason Ayto, who left in June after just nine months with the Seagulls.

Brighton deputy chairman Paul Barber told the club's website: "We are delighted that Mike's responsibilities are increasing. In his four years here, Mike has developed exceptionally well and is well respected inside and outside of our club.

"Mike's responsibilities have expanded over time and he continues to impress with his knowledge, enthusiasm and capacity for hard work."

Cave said: "This is an exceptionally exciting role to be taking on - with the continued opportunity to work with staff across the club who are leaders in their respective fields.

"The work for the new season is already well under way and I am looking forward to seeing what it will bring."

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We asked for your views on which free agents Brighton could target this summer and whether there is one player the Seagulls are linked with but you hope they never sign.

Here are some of your comments:

Pedro: Dusan Vlahovic has to be a target. Going into a European campaign with a 34-year-old Danny Welbeck as our main attacker isn't enough and we've been crying out for an established striker for years.

Dean: Jamie Vardy might be worth a one-year contract. A good goalscorer to finish all the chances we make. Wouldn't be an expensive gamble.

James: I'd bring Yves Bissouma back for sure especially if Carlos Baleba leaves. He seems to have had a few disciplinary issues at Spurs but he was as good as gold at the Albion. Not sure why we are signing so many central defenders - Oliver Boscgali looks the business so I hope he's not moving down the pecking order. And if Stefanos Tzimas isn't going to be fit for the start of the season then Welbz is going to need some support up front. Bit worried Euro participation will affect our league position next season but bring it on!

Penrith: Would love to see Mo Salah in blue and white stripes, even in the twilight of his career. Don't want us to sign Luka Vuskovic at any price.

Steve: Certainly not Bissouma. Temperamental players of his type upset the squad and the dressing room. The others on the list do not come within a mile of the Seagulls' wage budget and would set off unsustainable demands if they came in on special deals. Leave things as they are - we are never going to be part of the big five or even 10 and we could be in for a season of West Ham or Tottenham uncertainty while competing in Europe.

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We're now well into the knockout rounds of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention - especially with the summer transfer window open since 15 June.

Which player has raised your eyebrows? Who has exceeded your expectations? Has there been a player you had no knowledge of consistently impress you?

Ultimately, who would you realistically like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?

This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...

Tell us the players you want, with your reasoning, here

Enjoy the World Cup across BBC Sport

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From live TV coverage to highlights, analysis and reaction, our dedicated team will ensure you don't miss a kick of the biggest World Cup yet.

And there's more - the BBC has launched live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.

This means you can keep track of every game wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.

This feature will also extend into the 2026-27 Premier League season, so you're never out of the loop.

• Simple steps to set up live lock screen match updates from the World Cup

• How to get Premier League score updates

A new predictor game has been introduced to cover this year's World Cup, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from every match.

The game also features streaks, so make sure to check in each day and make your predictions.

• Play World Cup Predictor here (UK users only)

Ever wanted to see a World Cup match from every angle? How about a full-pitch tactical view? Or even see the match through the eyes of a player?

Well, now you can with Fifa World Cup 3D Experience, which is a UK-first that is only available on BBC Sport.

The interactive game experience gives viewers more choice to explore the match both in real time, highlights and full-match replays.

• Head here to get started

Finally, here are some more handy links:

• How to follow the World Cup across the BBC

• All the highlights and best video

• Beat the time difference and catch up on everything without any spoilers

• Take a dive into each of the 48 squads here

• Play our World Cup quizzes

Trabzonspor and Ivory Coast midfielder Christ Inao Oulai, 20, is being tracked by Brighton, Brentford, Juventus, Fiorentina and RB Leipzig. (La Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

We have been asking you questions about Brighton all summer. Our latest is a two-pronged query...

First, is there anyone on the free transfer list you think makes sense or is realistic as a signing?

Mohamed Salah, John Stones, Fabinho, Leon Goretzka, Dusan Vlahovic, Jadon Sancho, Daichi Kamada and Yves Bissouma are just some of the names currently available - and you can see a list here of the 15 free agents involved at the World Cup.

And secondly, is there a player Brighton are constantly linked with but you hope they never sign? If so, who and why?

Get in touch with your views here

After missing out on Mateus Fernandes, Manchester United are ready to make a bid for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba. (Give Me Sport), external

Roma and Morocco midfielder Neil El Aynaoui is being monitored by a number of Premier League clubs, with Brighton, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Newcastle United and Sunderland all asking about the 25-year-old's availability. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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Former Brighton striker Warren Aspinall thinks Albion signing defender Pascal Struijk from Leeds United is a "good deal" for the club.

The 26-year-old centre-back's transfer, for a fee understood to be about £20m, was confirmed on Tuesday

On the Albion Unlimited podcast, Aspinall said: "He is a good age. Eight and a half years at Leeds, got promotion, left-footed centre-back, played 196 [games] across all competitions, 34 appearances last season. He was a regular in the side and can play in a five or a three, or just as a normal centre-back.

"I think he'll be a squad player. Don't forget we've lost Webster, so he'll be fighting for that left-hand-side spot with Boscagli.

"It's the going rate in the Premier League now for a squad player. I think it's a good deal for Brighton."

Listen to the full episode of Albion Unlimited on BBC Sounds

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We asked for your views on Brighton signing defender Luka Vuskovic for a club record £46m from Tottenham.

Here are some of your comments:

Penrith: Absolutely ridiculous price for untried 19-year-old who Roberto de Zerbi clearly does not rate. Better off going for John Stones on a free.

Dawid: We sell arguably our best player to Tottenham for £52m and then pay them up to £50m for an untried and untested player who was not good enough to get into one of the leakiest defences in the Premier League last year. I hope our scouts have seen something which is certainly not obvious to me.

Gez: I can't help feeling that we are paying over the odds when you see what Spurs paid for Jan Paul van Hecke.

Fran: Seems a strange signing. We already have Diego Coppola and Olivier Boscagli and Pascal Struijk. At that price surely we are not looking to send him out on loan! Even at 19, he will be looking to play on a regular basis and if not why bother signing him? Hopefully not just to make up squad members. Bring in players with experience who will be ready to play.

Martin: Effectively, a swap with Van Hecke plus £6m. One has never played in the Premier League, the other a proven quality Premier League performer. Feels like Spurs may have rinsed Brighton here but Brighton have a good track record of buying unproven talent, making them good and then selling them on for profit. Has worked well with other low-cost players but will be tough to do this when buying for £46m. Time will tell.

James: Unproven although, we seem to be good at finding and developing gems. £50m shows that Brighton are finally looking to splash a bit of cash, and I think we've realised that in order to compete at the very top we need to invest.

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Brighton have bolstered their defence with the signing of Michael Svoboda from Serie B champions Venezia on a four-year contract.

Svoboda, 27, is at the World Cup with Austria having made his international debut in October 2024.

Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler said: "Michael has enjoyed a fantastic season with Venezia, captaining them to the league title.

"He has a number of attributes we believe will see him adapt well to how we play, both in and out of possession.

"He also adds competition to an area we are looking to strengthen and with a number of clubs pursuing him this summer, I am very happy that he's decided to come to Brighton."

What do you make of Svoboda? Will he be a useful addition to the Brighton squad or is he a risk with no Premier League experience?

Get in touch with your views here

Brighton have agreed a club record £46m deal with Tottenham Hotspur for Croatia defender Luka Vuskovic.

Brighton had two bids for Vuskovic turned down last month.

However, they have now reached an agreement over a transfer that is also subject to potential additional payments that could take the overall fee to £50m.

The 19-year-old will have a medical when Croatia's World Cup campaign is over.

• Read more on the story

They play Portugal in a last-32 tie in the early hours of Friday morning UK time.

Born in Split, Vuskovic came through the academy at local club Hajduk, becoming the youngest player to feature in Croatia's top flight when he was just 16 – and going on to become his club's youngest goalscorer.

He agreed a deal with Tottenham in September 2023 that saw him join the club in 2025.

Although he is yet to make his Spurs debut, Vuskovic made 30 appearances on loan with German club Hamburg last season, scoring six goals in the Bundesliga, and is now one of the most highly rated young central defenders in Europe.

What do you think about the signing? Tell us

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We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Brighton.

Here are some of your comments:

Sean: Liked the look of Panama's number six - Martinez. Busy all match against England and gave our midfield a lot to do, very impressive.

Sidney: I think we should have a look at Kone of France. Another person we should look at is potentially getting Ivan Perisic for experience in that attack. Luka Vuskovic is good. We should have told Tottenham to give us Vuskovic for Van Hecke. We don't need any more players. We have already signed Yohanna and are making progress with El Mala.

Andy: Have a look at the Aussie Boys. Bos is a fantastic player, attacking winger, and the young defender, 18-year-old Hennington. They are worth a look and a perfect fit for Brighton. I live in Perth, WA, and have been supporting Brighton since 1976.

Tell us the players you've scouted so far

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Brighton have announced the signing of Portugal Under-21 international Rodrigo Rego.

The winger, 20, joins on a five-year contract for undisclosed terms after making five first-team appearances for Benfica last season, including his Champions League debut as a substitute against Ajax.

Brighton's technical director Mike Cave, said: "Rodrigo is an exciting talent who we're really pleased to bring to the club.

"He got his first taste of men's football last season in both the league and Champions League, which is a reflection of the progress he's made.

"We believe we can help him continue his development and reach his full potential. We're looking forward to working with him on this next step."

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Brighton's football style was a big reason to join the club, says latest recruit Pascal Struijk.

Brighton signed the defender from Leeds United on Tuesday, and the 26-year-old explained the running of the club is what influenced him to move to the south east.

"For me, I like the way Brighton develop players," Struijk told the club website, external.

"What you've seen over the years and the way they run the club, it's been pretty successful and now achieving Europe, for me this is the step I wanted to make to of course develop as a player, but also to challenge myself and overall become a better player again.

"The way they play football is a very important one. It's nice to watch - very intense, very good on the ball and of course, seeing the results that you achieved against the top teams are very nice to look at. Winning these games by dominating the play and dominating the game and showing basically all the players and their qualities - it's something I would love to be a part of and I am a part of now."

Brighton will play in Europe for the second time in three years next season when they take to the Conference League play-offs in August, and Struijk explained this feat is also partly why he chose the Seagulls.

"When you dream as a kid you always dream about playing in international competitions so seeing Brighton achieved that is of course a big decision for me to join the club," he added

"There are different factors but this of course is a really important one that I would like to challenge myself with and hopefully we can be successful.

"I would love to show my qualities and what I can bring to the team on the Premier League and international level, and hopefully we can be successful with me bringing the qualities that I have and of course the qualities that are already in the team."

A new episode of BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast is now available.

The team are joined by BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope to assess incoming defender Pascal Struijk as well as other potential Brighton transfers.

Plus, there's mixed fortunes at the World Cup and a reminder of the role Gus Poyet played as we celebrate the 125th anniversary of the club.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Brighton content on BBC Sounds

Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim, chats with Danny Pike on BBC Radio Sussex about his 40-plus years as a Seagulls superfan despite growing up in south London.

Listen to the full clip below or on BBC Sounds here

Explore more Brighton audio content here

Brighton have made a bid of about 34m euros (£29m) for 18-year-old Atalanta and Italy defender Honest Ahanor as they look to fill the gap left by Jan Paul van Hecke's move to Tottenham. (Ben Jacobs, via Football Italia), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

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Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk looks set to join Brighton after a deal in principle was agreed between the two Premier League clubs.

The fee for the 26-year-old centre-back, whose Elland Road contract was due to expire at the end of the 2026-27 season, is undisclosed but understood to be about £20m.

Leeds signed Dutchman Struijk for their under-23s from Ajax in January 2018 before he graduated to the first team.

He made 196 appearances for the Whites, including 34 in the Premier League last season.

Brighton have sold centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke to Tottenham for £52m already this summer.

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Jeremy Sarmiento has completed a permanent switch from Brighton to Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old - who played 21 times for Albion - spent the second half of last season on loan with the Championship club.

Technical director Mike Cave said: "Jeremy has spent the last few years out on loan, so this represents a great opportunity for him to settle in one place.

"He is another success story of a player joining our under-21s and making the step up to men's football at a very good level. We wish him the best of luck for the future."