'Carlos Baleba and Cozier-Duberry' - Five things we've noticed from Brighton's pre-season return so far

Brighton are back in pre-season training and cranking up preparations ahead of their training camp.

The Seagulls will fly to France next week ahead of the upcoming campaign with two behind closed door friendlies against Annecy on July 25 and Strasbourg on August 1.

Albion then host two friendly matches at the Amex Stadium as they welcome Roma on Saturday August 8 and it's more Italian opposition the following weekend as Bologna visit on August 15.

The serious action starts with their Uefa Conference League campaign, which is a two-legged tie in the play-off round, to be played on 20 and 27 August, with the winners advancing to the league phase. The draw will be made on August 3.

The Premier League campaign starts on August 23 with a home clash against Aston Villa.

Here's what we have noticed in pre-season so far...

Carlos Baleba is back

The Cameroon international had a poor season by his standards last term. Baleba was wanted by Manchester United last summer and the speculation clearly impacted his pre-season. The midfielder was playing ctach-up thereafter and never really produced his best form on a consistent basis. Head coach Fabian Hurzeler will be keen not to repeat these mistakes again and Baleba has already been pictured working hard at the Lancing training ground. A fit and firing Baleba will be a huge asset to Brighton this season.

Amario Cozier-Dubbery chance

Here's an interesting one. The former Arsenal winger enjoyed an excellent loan in League One with Bolton last term and there has been plenty speculation on his future, with West Ham among a number of clubs keen on the 21-year-old. With Solly March gone and Brajan Gruda back in the Bundesliga, Cozier-Dubbery - who was pictured in the gym at Lancing - will have the chance to make his case to Hurzeler.

Zadok Yohanna brings excitement

There's plenty of excitement about this summer arrival. Yohanna joined for around £20m from AIK and is already getting used to his new surroundings at Brighton. The 18-year-old Nigerian winger will hope to make an immediate impact and will be challenging for minutes in the Premier League and Conference League this term. Brighton beat a number of top clubs for his signature and chairman Tony Bloom has already spoken in glowing terms of the winger. One to watch.

Matt O'Riley mystery

The former Celtic man is back in training with Brighton but his future remains uncertain. He was on loan in Marseille last season but returned early and then hardly featured for Brighton. A decent player but as yet, it just has not worked out for O'Riley and Brighton. Jack Hinshelwood and Georginio are the preferred options in the attacking midfield/No 10 role and keep an eye for transfer movement. Roma and Atalanta have long-standing interest.

Facundo Buonanotte call

Whatever happens, the 21-year-old Argentine will not want a repeat of last season. Buonanotte wasted his time with two terrible loans at Chelsea and then Leeds. He is back in pre-season training with Brighton but could be eyeing his next move. His best position is on the right but competition is fierce with the likes of Yankuba Minteh, Harry Howell, Yohanna and Cozier-Dubbery all pushing. Buonanotte is a huge talent and needs to play regular football. He's recently been linked with Borussia Dortmund and Boca Juniors.