Brighton have European fixtures on their schedule for only the second time in their history – so why does it feel anticlimactic?
The Seagulls will be considered among the favourites to win the 2026-27 UEFA Conference League, such is the mammoth financial advantage enjoyed by Premier League sides in that competition. Some fans are already making plans for the final in Istanbul next June, despite not knowing until August 3's draw who their team will face in the qualifying play-off.
The truth, though, is that Fabian Hurzeler's side stumbled over the line. Losing their final two games left them needing other results to decide whether they would be in the Europa League, the Conference League, or neither.
Will the Seagulls see Conference League glory? Brighton 2026-27 season preview
Still, for Albion's size, four Premier League top-half finishes in five years is impressive. Brighton know from 2023-24 how extra Thursday night games can impact domestic form.
Results last season often suffered as well when first-choice players in key roles weren't available. It exposed a lack of squad depth, especially in wide attacking areas.
Whether Brighton can cope will hinge on recruitment, particularly with three old heads – Solly March, Adam Webster and James Milner – moving on. Right-back Costinha will be ready to go, as will central defensive duo Luka Vuskovic and Pascal Struijk, but young AIK wing ace Zadok Yohanna is straight out of the Tony Bloom playbook.
The Coach
Fabian Hurzeler's comments about Arsenal's style of play may not have impressed Mikel Arteta, but they went down well with the Brighton faithful, who had struggled to bond with the 33-year-old coach up until then. He looks increasingly at home in the Premier League.
Key Player
The average age of Brighton's squad will fall significantly this summer, so leadership in the dressing room matters. Pascal Gross, 35, had no pace to lose in the first place but he still has excellent technical ability and tactical nous in midfield – vital in a long and gruelling season.
Last Season's Results
PREMIER LEAGUE: 8th
FA CUP: Fourth Round
LEAGUE CUP: Fourth Round
Top Scorer
Danny Welbeck was the Seagulls' most prolific scorer last season, bagging 14 in all competitions.
The striker may not be present in Brighton for this campaign, however, with a move to Chelsea on the cards.
Lessons From Last Year
Don't panic! On Valentine's Day, having been knocked out of the FA Cup and on a run of one win in 13 league games, the Seagulls resembled relegation candidates.
A small but vocal contingent of fans wanted Hurzeler sacked. But Bloom stuck by his man, and seven wins from their next 10 gave Brighton a chance of Champions League qualification on the final day.
In the end, they had to settle for the Conference League, but the owner's level-headed loyalty was rewarded.
As rivals Crystal Palace showed that even teams who fare poorly in the Premier League can win Europe's third-tier competition, Albion fans will expect this second trip to the continent to be more than just a holiday romance.
Most Likely To...
Attract golfers. Nike's shirt for the club's 125th anniversary will be worn for just one fixture, but it'll look right at home on the greens.
Least Likely To...
Bring in Sean Dyche as director of football and label data-based scouting as “woke nonsense”.
View From The Stands
Words by: OWEN WILKINSON @Wilka1983
Last season was a real rollercoaster, with a huge mid-season slump that turned dreams of Europe into nightmares of trips to Swansea, Cardiff and Lincoln. The turnaround after that was miraculous.
This season will be different because the Conference League will place more demands on the squad. But our young players are also another year more experienced.
Our key player will be Danny Welbeck, for his leadership and work rate as well as his goal threat.
Look out for 19-year-old frontman Charalampos ‘Babis' Kostoulas, who's had little spells of game time to help him adapt. An overhead kick against Bournemouth hinted at what a talent he may be.
The opposition player I'd love here is Igor Thiago, who might enjoy a bit of European football. He'd fit our system well.
I won't be happy unless we stop the rot against Palace. Our performances in those games haven't been good enough since Fabian Hurzeler arrived.
The fans' opinion of the gaffer is not as good as you'd imagine, despite two 8th-place finishes. Roberto De Zerbi was a tough act to follow. But it felt like the tide changed when our form picked up.
The ground I'm least looking forward to visiting is Selhurst Park, a ramshackle shed that provides dreadful views and prehistoric facilities.
Our biggest grudge match will be against Chelsea. No doubt they'll be restocking from us.
We'll finish 8th again.
Fixtures
AUGUST
23 Aston Villa (H)
29 Chelsea (A)
SEPTEMBER
5 Leeds (H)
12 Coventry (A)
19 Arsenal (H)
OCTOBER
10 Sunderland (A)
17 Crystal Palace (H)
24 Liverpool (A)
31 Man City (A)
NOVEMBER
7 Brentford (H)
21 Hull City (A)
28 Newcastle (H)
DECEMBER
2 Bournemouth (A)
5 Nott'm Forest (A)
12 Everton (H)
19 Ipswich (H)
26 Fulham (A)
30 Tottenham (A)
JANUARY
2 Man United (H)
6 Bournemouth (H)
16 Brentford (A)
23 Man City (H)
30 Newcastle (A)
FEBRUARY
6 Hull City (H)
10 Man United (A)
20 Tottenham (H)
27 Ipswich (A)
MARCH
3 Fulham (H)
13 Leeds (A)
20 Coventry (H)
APRIL
10 Aston Villa (A)
17 Chelsea (H)
24 Everton (A)
MAY
1 Nott'm Forest (H)
8 Sunderland (H)
15 Crystal Palace (A)
23 Liverpool (H)
30 Arsenal (A)
Title Odds
Brighton to win the 2026/27 Premier League title odds: 175/1
FFT Verdict
FourFourTwo verdict: Brighton to finish 9th.
Much could depend on how new Croatian club-record buy Vuskovic (coming in from Spurs for £46m, but still only 19) steps in for fellow central defender Jan Paul van Hecke (sold to Spurs for £52m).
This feature was written in June as part of FourFourTwo magazine's legendary Season Preview issue which can be ordered here.
