Brighton and Hove Albion have spent more than £200m during a remarkable summer transfer window – but what is their strongest XI?
The Seagulls smashed their transfer record as Georginio Rutter joined from Leeds for £40m and Yankuba Minteh signed from Newcastle for around £35m.
Matt O’Riley came in from Celtic, Brajan Gruda arrived from Mainz, Mats Wieffer from Feyenoord and Ferdi Kadioglu from Fenerbahce – all for around £25m each, while Deniz Undav, Pascal Gross and Billy Gilmour departed.
It provides new head coach Fabian Hurzeler with some fascinating selection dilemmas as he embarks on his first season in the Premier League. Hurzeler has guided Albion to victories in their first two top flight fixtures against Manchester United and Everton and this Saturday they travel to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
Here’s Brighton’s dream starting XI after a remarkable summer transfer window...
5. Jan Paul van Hecke - CB
The centre back has emerged a real leader of the Brighton team over the last six months Photo: Warren Little
6. Tariq Lamptey - LB
The former Chelsea man is returning to full fitness and could play at left back, up against the potent threat of Saka. Photo: Masashi Hara
7. Mats Wieffer - CM
An encouraging debut at Everton but missed the game against Man United due to a knock. The Netherlands international will hope to be fit to face Arsenal. Photo: Jan Kruger
8. Carlos Baleba - CM
With Billy Gilmour now on his way to Napoli, Baleba will hope to nail down a spot in the Albion midfield. Photo: Mike Hewitt