On August 14th, Brighton will get their season underway with a away trip to Burnley, and will be eager to pick up some early wins to build some positive momentum, ahead of a brutal October where the side will take on Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal in quick succession.
The Seagulls splashed the cash to complete a £18m move for Zambia international Enock Mwepu yesterday, and it will be fascinating to see how the former RB Salzburg man fares in the Premier League, after thriving in the Austrian top tier for four title-winning seasons.
Discussing his new player, Brighton boss Graham Potter said: “We're delighted to be able to welcome Enock to the club and are looking forward to working with him.
“He has a great deal of experience for somebody of his age, including Champions League and international football.
“He's primarily a central midfielder, although he is capable of playing in numerous positions, is open-minded, adaptable and very keen to learn and develop. He will add competition to our existing options in that area of the squad going into the new season.”
Here are today's biggest transfer stories and the latest team news involving Brighton & Hove Albion and the rest of the Premier League, as the reaction to the summer transfer window activity and build-up to the eagerly-anticipated new season continues:
1. Hammers could land bargain defender
West Ham are rumoured to be plotting a move for ex-Napoli defender Nikola Maksimovic, who was released by the Serie A side at the end of last season. However, Spanish side Real Betis are also believed to be keen on the 29-year-old Serbia international. (Daily Star) Photo: Marco Luzzani
2. Seagulls land Mwepu
Brighton have completed the signing of midfielder Enock Mwepu from Red Bull Salzburg, for a fee of around £18m. The Zambia international won the last four Austrian top tier titles on the trot with his former side. (Club website) Photo: Alexander Hassenstein
3. Leeds land Firpo
Leeds United have completed the signing of Barcelona left-back Junior Firpo, who has arrived at Elland Road for a fee of around £13m. He made 18 appearances for the Catalan giants last season, and helped them win their 31st Copa Del Rey. (Club website) Photo: OSCAR DEL POZO
4. Serie A side eye Magpies target
Newcastle United's hopes of signing Southampton's midfielder Mario Lemina look to have taken a hit, as Serie A side Cagliari are now keen on the ex-Juventus man. He could be available for just £4m - less than half of what the Saints paid for him back in 2017. (Tuttomercato) Photo: Marc Atkins