Brighton’s 2025-26 season was a disaster. From tactical chaos to failed signings, we dissect the systemic failures that derailed a once-promising project and what must change.
Brighton & Hove Albion entered the 2025-26 Premier League season with momentum, having secured European football the prior campaign. By April 2026, they sit in 17th place, two points above the relegation zone, with only five wins in 31 matches. The collapse wasn’t sudden — it was the culmination of deep tactical decay. Once lauded for their fluid, possession-based system under Roberto De Zerbi, Brighton now resemble a team without identity. The high press, once suffocating, has become disorganized, often leaving massive gaps behind the full-backs.
The midfield structure has disintegrated. The absence of a true defensive pivot has been glaring, especially after Moisés Caicedo’s 2023 departure. Attempts to replace him with rotational players like Jack Hinshelwood and Alireza Jahanbakhsh failed. Brighton’s average of 48.3% possession — down from 54% in 2024-25 — reflects their loss of control. Analysts suggest the team now plays reactively rather than dictating tempo.
"Brighton aren’t playing football — they’re reacting to it," said a Premier League tactician in The Athletic.The frequent switching between 3-4-2-1 and 4-2-3-1 has confused players, leading to disjointed performances.
Brighton’s recruitment, once the envy of mid-table clubs, has backfired spectacularly. The summer 2025 window saw £85 million spent, but returns have been minimal. Ismaël Koné, signed from Sevilla for £28 million, managed just 12 appearances due to injury and underperformance. Lucas Bergvall, the 19-year-old Swedish midfielder, was rushed into the first team and exposed defensively. Neither added creativity nor stability.
The most glaring failure was up front. With Deniz Undav sold to Stuttgart, Brighton relied on Armando Broja on loan. But Broja scored only 2 goals in 18 league games before a long-term knee injury. Evan Ferguson, the 21-year-old Irishman, was left as the lone senior striker, often isolated. No backup was signed, and youth options lacked physicality. The club’s data-driven model, once praised, appears to have misfired — prioritizing potential over proven impact.
Roberto De Zerbi transformed Brighton into an exciting, progressive side. But in 2025-26, his rigid adherence to attacking principles — even when trailing — has drawn fierce criticism. He persisted with injured players, rotated excessively, and failed to adapt against low-block teams. His man-management has also been questioned: Julio Enciso was benched without clear cause, while Florentino Luís was misused in advanced roles.
Yet, De Zerbi didn’t operate in a vacuum. The club’s participation in the Europa League stretched the squad thin. Key departures — Leandro Trossard, Yankuba Minteh — were not adequately replaced. The sporting director’s office must share blame for the lack of squad depth. While De Zerbi’s tactics are under scrutiny, the structural weaknesses go beyond the dugout.
Survival is not enough. Brighton must rebuild from the ground up. First, a complete overhaul of the coaching staff is needed — whether that includes De Zerbi or not. A new tactical philosophy must be established. Second, they must sign a proven Premier League striker. Names like Jonathan David or Austin (Al-Ahli) offer immediate solutions. Third, the club must reassess its recruitment model, balancing youth with experienced, physically ready players.
Q: Will Brighton sack their manager?
A: Decision-makers are reportedly divided. De Zerbi’s future hinges on survival, but boardroom pressure is mounting.
Q: Who should Brighton sign in summer 2026?
A: A reliable striker (e.g. Jonathan David) and a defensive midfielder (e.g. Amadou Onana) are top priorities.
Q: Why is Brighton playing so badly?
A: A mix of tactical incoherence, failed transfers, European fatigue, and poor squad depth has led to systemic collapse.
