It’s been said recently that if you want to save yourself millions in the transfer market – just check who Brighton are about to sign. Albion's succession planning and player development has been been hugely successful of late. Despite selling many of their top talents in the past few transfer windows, Roberto De Zerbi's men are sixth in the Premier League and pushing for European qualification. As teams around them continue to spend vast sums, Albion have quietly built a competitive Premier League squad on a relatively small budget. The likes of Rob Sanchez, Lewis Dunk, Solly March and Evan Ferguson are all home grown talents and key members of the first team squad. The recruitment team at Albion have added to that with recent low cost signings such as World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, Ex-Chelsea man Tariq Lamptey, Chelsea and Arsenal target Moises Caicedo and Japan star Kaoru Mitoma – all have excelled in the Premier League and seen their profiles and transfer values sky-rocket. They continue to attract the attention of the Premier League giants and some may well depart this summer for high fees but as Albion know all too well, planning is key…
Here's who's next on the production line and the talents who could soon be attracting the attention from the top six..
5. Evan Ferguson
The 18-year-old Ireland striker looks a serious player. He turned down Liverpool to join Brighton from Bohemians in 2021 as he wanted a better chance of first team football. He has three PL goals already, links the play and is a physical presence. Big future ahead of him and provides what Brighton have lacked since a peak Glenn Murray. Dare I say it so soon in his career?... but there is a touch of Harry Kane about him. Photo: Mike Hewitt
6. Kjell Scherpen
The 6ft 8in Netherlands under-21 keeper was signed from Ajax in 2021 and is currently on loan at Vitesse. The 23-year-old was called-up to the senior Netherlands squad for the first time last June, replacing the injured Tim Krul. He should provide stiff competition for Brighton's Rob Sanchez next season. Photo: DAVID PINTENS
7. Simon Adingra
Joined Brighton for around £7m last year and has spent the season on loan Union SG. The 21-year-old from the Ivory Coast has impressed and has six goals so far. Similar stats to when Mitoma was on loan at Union.... Just saying! Photo: LAURIE DIEFFEMBACQ
8. Kacper Kozlowski
The 19-year-old Poland international midfielder joined Brighton last year and has had loan spells at Union SG and this season at Vitesse. At 17 years and 246 days, he remains the youngest player to play at the European Championship - beating Jude Bellingham's record. Expected to return next summer and compete for a place in the Albion midfield. Which could be very handy with Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo expected to leave Photo: MAURICE VAN STEEN