Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler
(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Mick Brown
Sat 28 June 2025 9:00, UK
Fabian Hurzeler is “worried” about the number of players looking to leave Brighton this summer amid suggestions of a mass exodus.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that new doubts and concerns have emerged at the Amex.
At least four first-team players are expected to leave the Seagulls this summer, and regardless of whether they are replaced, questions have been asked about the situation.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Joao Pedro wants to leave Brighton amid interest from Chelsea and Newcastle to step up to a bigger club.
Pedro is not the only player with his eyes set on a move away from the Amex, though, as both Matt O’Riley and Julio Enciso are expected to leave this summer.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider on 17 June that Pervis Estupinan has asked to leave Brighton and wants to join Man United as his agent has made his availability known.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler
Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media
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Brighton prepared for big-name sales amid summer exodus
Brown told Football Insider on 19 June that Brighton are preparing for major sales amid interest in Enciso following a mixed loan spell with Ipswich Town.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted there will be concerns behind the scenes about the number of unhappy players.
“I’m told there are a few doubts at Brighton,” he told Football Insider.
“They’re given a lot of praise for their recruitment and ability to bring in some top players who they’ve then sold for some huge money.
“But it seems every year there are three or four players looking to move away.
“Whether that’s Brighton wanting to sell them or the players wanting to move on, it’s concerning.
“I don’t think the manager will be particularly happy with it, he’ll be worried.
“Even at the moment, Joao Pedro is pushing for a move away, Estupinan wants to leave, O’Riley has come out and said he’s not happy.
“Then there are the ones like Enciso who was on loan at Ipswich, they don’t think he’s good enough.
“So that’s four players off the top of my head who are looking to move on and speaking to their agents.
“It doesn’t strike me as being an entirely happy camp, and that’s never a good thing for any manager to have to deal with.
“Of course, it may be the exception rather than the rule and it’s the ones you don’t hear about who are happy and getting on with the job.
“But having so many players wanting to leave seemingly every year is not a good sign.”
Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma
Kaoru Mitoma could leave Brighton. (Credit: Imago)
Kaoru Mitoma update emerges as Bayern and Arsenal race
Alongside a growing list of potential departures from the Amex, Kaoru Mitoma is the latest star player to be linked with a big-money move away.
Brown told Football Insider on 22 June that Bayern Munich want to sign Mitoma and are currently confident of beating the likes of Arsenal to his signature.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider in May that Arsenal are keeping tabs on Mitoma’s situation and could make a move if he is allowed to leave Brighton.
The Gunners have had scouts keeping tabs on the Japan international’s performances, but there is a feeling a move to the Bundesliga could be preferred.
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