Brighton & Hove Albion have emerged as surprising contenders for a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League, despite significant challenges to their squad ahead of the current Premier League campaign. Sitting third in the league five games into the season, the club has impressed with 16 goals scored—more than any other team—and the best goal difference at +11, highlighted by a 3-0 victory over reigning champions Arsenal.
The 2026-27 season initially appeared to be a transitional period for Brighton after finishing eighth in the Premier League last season and securing qualification for the UEFA Conference League. The club underwent a considerable squad overhaul during the summer transfer window, offloading or loaning out 20 players. Notable departures included Carlos Baleba to Manchester United for £70 million, Jan Paul van Hecke to Tottenham for £52 million, and last season’s top scorer Danny Welbeck to Chelsea for £5 million.
Compounding the challenges, Brighton’s manager Fabian Hürzeler has had to contend with a growing injury list that sidelined key wingers Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh, as well as forwards Jack Hinshelwood and Georginio Rutter. Despite these setbacks, Brighton have thrived domestically and in cup competitions, advancing to the Conference League group stage and eliminating Manchester United from the League Cup. Across eight matches in all competitions, they have recorded five clean sheets.
Central to Brighton’s strong start is 35-year-old midfielder Pascal Gross, who rejoined the club in January for £1.7 million from Borussia Dortmund. Far from a nostalgic acquisition, Gross has become Brighton’s most influential player this season, contributing three goals and three assists, making him the most involved player in goals across the Premier League. Known for his versatility, Gross orchestrates play by dropping deep to aid build-up, creating space, and making late runs into the box. His work rate is notable, having covered nearly 60 kilometers in just five league matches, second only in the league.
Hürzeler emphasized Gross’s value after the win against Arsenal, calling him a reliable figure who elevates the performance of those around him. With a spate of departures, including veterans Joël Veltman, Solly March, Adam Webster, and the retirement of James Milner, Gross, along with Jason Steele and Lewis Dunk, stand as the remaining experienced leaders within Brighton’s evolving squad. Hürzeler described these players as “social leaders” crucial to the seamless integration of new signings.
Additional players have stepped up to fill the void left by outgoing stars. Left-back-turned-wing Maxim De Cuyper has contributed three goals and three assists, offering a different attacking dynamic despite lacking Mitoma’s dribbling flair. Young talents like 19-year-old Charalampos Kostoulas, who has doubled his goal involvements from last season, and new record signing Luka Vuskovic, alongside Ferdi Kadıoğlu, Olivier Boscagli, Malick Yalcouyé, and Yasin Ayari, have all played important roles in Brighton’s strong start.
Brighton currently boast nine different goal scorers in the Premier League, underscoring their collective threat. While their early-season form marks them as genuine challengers for a top-four finish and direct Champions League qualification, sustaining this momentum over the course of the campaign remains a significant test.