Alious“No!” – £25M Brighton Star Still Sidelined by Long-Term Injury as Squad Returns for Pre-Season
Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hürzeler has revealed that £25 million summer signing Ferdi Kadioglu is still not fully recovered from a lingering toe injury that severely disrupted his debut Premier League season.
The Turkey international was among the players reporting back for pre-season training this week, but fans hoping for a full return may have to wait a bit longer.
Speaking to *Sussex World*, Hürzeler confirmed Kadioglu won’t be able to participate in the full pre-season programme just yet.
> “For a full pre-season, no,” he said. “He still needs a bit of time, but I’m hopeful he’ll be ready in about two weeks.
When he’s back, it’ll feel like a new signing.”
Kadioglu joined Brighton from Fenerbahçe last summer in a high-profile £25m deal but saw his campaign derailed after just six Premier League appearances.
His standout moment came with a stunning goal in the 2-1 defeat at Anfield against Liverpool last November—but it proved to be his final appearance of the season.
What was initially described as a minor toe injury ended up requiring surgery and a prolonged recovery period.
Brighton will soon travel to Spain for a pre-season training camp and have scheduled friendlies against Southampton on August 2 and German side Wolfsburg at the Amex on August 9.
The Seagulls kick off their Premier League season at home to Fulham on August 16, and the hope is that Kadioglu will be fully match fit by then.
Jack Hinshelwood Returns Early After Euro U21 Triumph
In more positive news, England Under-21 hero Jack Hinshelwood has returned to training ahead of schedule following his impressive performances in the European Championship, which England won in a thrilling 3-2 final against Germany.
The young midfielder, who recently became a father, had been offered extra rest but chose to rejoin the squad early.
Hürzeler praised his commitment and adaptability:
> “Jack was excellent—whether as a right or left full-back, his versatility really stood out. I was impressed with how he balanced personal and professional life during the tournament.”
New Signing Coppola Set to Join Camp
Another bright spot is the arrival of Brighton’s £10 million signing Diego Coppola.
The young Italian defender also took part in the Under-21 Euros and impressed Hürzeler with his maturity and composure.
> “We signed him just before he faced Germany in the tournament,” Hürzeler noted.
“He had a lot going on, but he handled everything professionally. I’m excited to start working with him.”
While some international players are granted extended breaks, the return of players like Hinshelwood—and the eventual full recovery of Kadioglu—points to a promising pre-season as Hürzeler prepares for his first full campaign in charge of the Seagulls.
Alious
