Ranking Brighton £200 Million Summer Signings This Season

After years of selling their best assets for big money, Brighton finally spent the big bucks in the last transfer window. The Seagulls spent almost £200 million while having the highest net spend of any Premier League team, being £155 million. Fabian Hurzeler was backed going into an important season for Brighton, with European football in their sights. Here is a roundup of each summer signing and how they are getting on.

How Brighton Transfers Have Faired In Record-Breaking Window

Ferdi Kadioglu – 6

The Fenerbache left-back had been signed for almost £30 million, a Super Lig record. One of the most versatile players in the world, the Turkish international predominantly plays left-back but can play in midfield and in attack. This is due to his incredible technical ability, being a perfect fit for Hurzeler’s squad.

He started brightly for the Seagulls, having featured in nine games between August and the start of October. He has not played since then with injuries putting him on the sidelines. His last game for the Seagulls was in a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, where he scored his first Brighton goal. Fans will be eager for the full-back’s return to action, which could be as late as next season.

Mats Wieffer – 5

Signed from Feyenoord for £25 million, the 25-year-old was brought in to bolster Brighton’s midfield numbers. A deep-lying midfielder who is comfortable with the ball at his feet. He can also push on up the field with his explosive accelerations and powerful strides, making him threatening from deep.

He has shown signs of potential since the move to England but has failed to convince Hurzeler of a regular starting spot, with only four of his 19 appearances being starts. Injuries have also halted this process, with some poor performances along the way. Despite this, many Brighton fans see him as a future starter alongside Carlos Baleba. 

Georginio Rutter – 9

Brighton’s transfer record signing has not disappointed since signing from Championship side Leeds United. The Premier League outfit bought the Frenchman for £40 million after he showed his potential in the Championship last season. Primarily an offensive player, Rutter can play as a number nine or 10. A fast and powerful player, Rutter uses his strength to his advantage as he keeps ahold of the ball and causes confusion in the opposition’s back line.

The record-signing had a slow start but has been one of Brighton’s best players in the second half of the campaign. A big part of this is down to his improvement in front of goal, with Rutter boosting his tally to eight goals and five assists this term. Unfortunately, Rutter may miss the rest of the season through injury. A big miss for the Seagulls after a promising start.

Brajan Gruda – 5

It was a breakthrough season for Gruda last term, with the German attacker making a name for himself playing for Mainz. His technical ability and ball control make him hard to defend. This persuaded Brighton to spend £25 million on the 20-year-old.

This is starting to look more like an investment, with Gruda not having made the impact many may have expected. The exciting German talent has only played 16 league games this season, with a measly five starts. With him having almost completed his first term in English football, he has said that he has ‘settled‘ in Brighton, ready to finally make an impact.

Yankuba Minteh – 8

Minteh signed from Newcastle United for £30 million. He played his football on loan at Feyenoord last season. He showcased his talent with an impressive season. His pace is a cheat code against defenders, with quick feet and a dangerous left foot making him a lethal winger. 

Similar to Rutter, he has grown into this Brighton team as the season went on, nailing down the right-wing role ahead of the likes of Gruda and Simon Adingra. With nine goal contributions in 26 Premier League games, he has brought his goal threat from the Netherlands. This is made more incredible with the 20-year-old having played in the Gambian league four years ago.

Matt O’Riley – 6

The £25 million signing from Celtic made the worst possible start after his Brighton transfer, with him having to come off injured in the 4-0 Carabao Cup win against Sussex rivals Crawley Town. The Danish midfielder returned from ankle surgery in style after he scored the winner against Manchester City in the league.

He has made 14 appearances for Brighton this season and has shown his versatility in midfield, filling in a deeper and more offensive role throughout the season. These appearances have been patchy, with him having failed to play a full 90-minute game, which has “frustrated” him. Another signing with promise and potential, but held back with stints on the sidelines.

Ibrahim Osman – 6

The young Ghanaian was brought in from Danish team FC Nordsjalland, with technical director David Weir having said he was “a young and exciting prospect“. 

He has played his football in Feyenoord on loan this season, where he has scored three times in 19 games.

Malick Yalcouye – 6

Signed for £6 million from IFK Gothenburg, the 18-year-old Malian midfielder has played his football in Austria for Strum Graz on loan for the 24/25 season. 

Described by Hurzeler as a “talented midfielder“, Yalcouye has scored four goals in 30 appearances this season. This included him making his Champions League debut.

Amario Cozier-Duberry – 5

The former Arsenal academy star joined Brighton on a free transfer from Hale End. He was loaned out to Blackburn Rovers in the Championship this season, where he has only managed one goal.