Things move fast in football. Modern-day teams need to be constantly regenerating and developing. This means getting fresh players every season, but it also means adopting new tactics and systems to adhere to and exploit the latest philosophies and tactics of playing the game.
Teams in the Premier League are certainly no exception. Stagnating or standing still can be catastrophic; clubs need to be proactive in the transfer market and on the training pitch to ensure they are not left behind. Will Brighton have to rebuild their squad in the summer? Read on to find out.
Brighton’s 22/23 Season
Before we look into whether or not Brighton require a full rebuild, let’s take a look back over the club’s 22/23 season and assess what they got right and where things went wrong.
Brighton’s season has been a resounding success, arguably the club’s best ever. They finished sixth in the Premier League, the highest finish the club has ever secured, with 62 points from 38 matches, winning 18, drawing eight, and losing 12. They secured a European spot for the first time in their history, the perfect way to end a fantastic season.
However, this is football, and fans are always demanding more. Brighton conceded 53 goals this season, the highest tally for any club in the top seven. Perhaps with a more secure backline, they could have converted some of their draws into wins, or losses into draws, collecting a few more points that could have pushed them even higher up the table.
This might seem like nit-picking. However, the same could have been said when fans asked for more last season when Brighton finished ninth. Despite a mass exodus of players in the summer, Brighton regrouped and went on to push for and achieve an even more successful season.
Will Brighton Need a Rebuild?
Brighton have long been something of a stepping-stone club. They identify and develop young, talented players before selling them on for a higher price. This is a necessary model for smaller clubs in the Premier League, but it’s one that means they must be adept at rebuilding and regenerating every season.
However, manager Roberto de Zerbi is confident that a full rebuild will not be required. According to the Italian, while a fresh squad will be needed, this doesn’t necessarily mean bringing in huge numbers. This might be true, but de Zerbi must remember that the club will be involved in an extra competition next year, so the squad will be stretched to the limit.
Who Could Leave and Who Could Come In?
Brighton are a selling club, fans are used to players leaving after only a short while. Two of the club’s best performers from this season, Moises Caicedo and World Cup-winner Alexis Mac Allister are tipped for a summer exit and are expected to bring in high fees.
There is talk of bringing in midfielder Davide Frattesi from Sassuolo, but given Serie A titans Juventus and Inter Milan are interested as well, Brighton could have a fight on their hands.
Conclusion
A full-scale rebuild may not be necessary, but Brighton will need to strengthen and freshen up if they want to push on and continue this incredible run.
