MY ACCOUNT
Despite losing a number of key players earlier this campaign, Brighton are on course for their best ever Premier League season as they compete for European qualification.
The seventh-placed Seagulls sold Marc Cucurella, Yves Bissouma and Leandro Trossard in the last two transfer windows but typically shrewd recruitment has seen them go from strength to strength this term.
However, they are expected to face another battle this summer with many of their current crop impressing once again.
As Roberto De Zerbi prepares his side for the visit of Everton, we pick out which members of his squad could fly the nest during the off-season.
Alexis Mac Allister
Rumours of Argentine World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister’s departure have accelerated in recent weeks after a superb season for club and country.
The 24-year-old has scored 11 goals as well as providing two assists in all competitions and both Liverpool and Manchester United are said to be keen on adding him to their midfield.
His latest strike was a 99th-minute stoppage-time winner against the Red Devils last Thursday and the latest reports indicate he will deal them another blow by sealing a £70million move to Anfield this summer.
Kaoru Mitoma
Kaoru Mitoma’s emergence in 2022-23 meant the Seagulls hierarchy were happy to sanction wantaway Trossard’s switch to Arsenal in January.
Japan star Mitoma has become one of the Premier League’s most exciting attackers, notching seven goals and four assists for the Europa League chasers.
The Gunners could look to pinch another left-sided talent at the end of the season, while title rivals Manchester City have also been linked.
Moises Caicedo
Brighton managed to keep hold of 21-year-old defensive midfielder Moises Caicedo in January despite his public pleas to depart.
The Ecuadorian has expertly filled the void left by Bissouma, making himself a key part of De Zerbi’s free-flowing side.
Despite signing a new contract at the Amex until 2027 in March, Arsenal are expected to return with another attempt to add him to their engine room.
Evan Ferguson
Despite being just 18, Evan Ferguson is already being hailed as the future of Irish football.
The physical striker has wowed audiences with his clinical finishing despite his tender age and has been earmarked as the next Harry Kane, prompting links to Tottenham.
Like Caicedo, Ferguson recently signed a long-term deal with the Seagulls and that combined with the prospect of European football next season could convince the teen to stay put for another year.
Julio Enciso
Paraguayan international Julio Enciso is Brighton’s latest new talent after two goals and two assists in his last six Premier League games.
Another exciting, versatile addition to their frontline, Enciso has started Brighton’s last four in the league as well as their FA Cup semi-final loss to Manchester United and netted a stunning winner at Chelsea last month.
With the Premier League’s elite likely to be fixated on the more established Seagulls stars, De Zerbi will hope to get at least another year to work with the youngster before the big guns come calling.
