Alious“He’s Out! Two Brighton Stars Tipped for Big-Money Exits – But These Three Must Stay to Keep Seagulls Flying High”
As Brighton & Hove Albion’s 2024/25 season officially winds down, don’t expect club chiefs Fabian Hürzeler or David Weir to be lounging in the sun. Instead, the focus at the Amex is firmly on navigating a crucial summer transfer window—especially when it comes to five standout players whose futures are attracting significant interest across Europe.
Of those five—Bart Verbruggen, Jan Paul van Hecke, Carlos Baleba, Kaoru Mitoma, and João Pedro—not all are expected to remain Seagulls by September.
Van Hecke is the most secure. Having recently signed a contract extension and establishing himself as a regular both at club level and for the Dutch national team, the reliable defender is seen as a cornerstone of the team heading into a World Cup year.
In contrast, goalkeeper Verbruggen’s situation is less certain. Though still favored as the Netherlands’ No. 1, he was rested from the latest national squad. Interest from European powerhouses—namely Bayern Munich and Barcelona—means Albion may be tempted to sell while his value peaks. With goalkeeper replacements generally easier to secure than key outfield players, a big-money move could be on the cards.
Kaoru Mitoma, however, presents both a football and commercial conundrum. The Japanese winger’s childhood admiration for Barcelona—once decorating his walls with Messi posters—is well documented. Given his immense popularity in Asia, a transfer to the Catalan club would be both a dream come true for him and a merchandising jackpot for Barça. Brighton, though, will be desperate to retain a player who’s become vital to their identity and attacking play.
Midfield talent Carlos Baleba is another player the club will be determined to keep—at least for now. Despite his occasional rawness, his potential is immense, with some predicting he could eventually fetch more than the £115 million Moisés Caicedo commanded. But insiders suggest this summer is too soon to cash in.
João Pedro, on the other hand, appears to be on his way out. A training ground bust-up with Van Hecke and his absence from the final matchday squad against Tottenham have only fueled speculation. The talented Brazilian forward is expected to exit this summer, with suitors likely needing to pay upwards of £60–70 million to convince Brighton to sell.
In summary, come September 1, Brighton fans can be confident of seeing Van Hecke, likely Baleba, and hopefully Mitoma still in blue and white. If Pedro and Verbruggen do depart for fees exceeding £100 million combined, the Seagulls could emerge from the summer stronger—both financially and strategically.
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