Roberto De Zerbi's nine Brighton signings rated – including a 9/10 and two 1/10s from £95m spend

Roberto De Zerbi took charge at Brighton in September 2022 and left at the end of last season on May 20224. During that time nine new players were signed by the club with a total outlay of around £95m.

The second season in particular was a tricky time for the Italian head coach as the club also sold Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister, while one of his key defenders Levi Colwill returned to his parent club Chelsea after his loan expired.

Brighton’s transfer policy was a source of frustration for De Zerbi and was a major reason why the club and manager parted company last month. Here we take a look at all nine players signed during De Zerbi’s time and rate their contribution out of 10.

Joao Pedro: We start with the most expensive as the Brazilian striker arrived from Watford last summer for a club record £30m. It proved to be a fine breakthrough season for the 22-year-old as he netted 20 goals in all-competitions with three assists. Nine were in the Premier League, he scored six from six in the Europa League and five goals in the FA Cup. A thigh injury towards the back end of the campaign slowed his progress but his form at the end of the campaign was encouraging. An excellent signing, plenty of room to improve and is set for an exciting second term. 9/10.

Carlos Baleba: The 20-year-old defensive midfielder was signed last summer from Lille for around £23m. A raw talent who De Zerbi said has the potential to be one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. Made a few errors when he was introduced to the starting XI and was perhaps underused at times last season because of that. Arrived as the replacement for Caicedo and looks set for major breakthrough this coming season. The best is still to come. 6/10.

Bart Verbruggen: Another excellent signing for Brighton after his summer arrival from Anderlecht for around £16m. He was introduced slowly into the team alongside the more experienced Jason Steele and he looked more accomplished as the season progressed. Set to feature for the Netherlands at the Euros and will likely be Albion’s established No 1 for years to come. He’s still just 21, so plenty of room for improvement and a significant upgrade on Rob Sanchez, who left last summer for Chelsea for £25m. 8/10.

Igor Julio: The left-sided centre back arrived for around £14m from Fiorentina last summer and took the place of Colwill. The Brazilian can play centre-back, left of a three and at left back. He made 33 appearances this term with 24 in the Premier League. A powerful performer, he’s decent on the ball and pretty solid defensively. He was though caught out at times with his lack of pace and positional play and needs improvement to be a regular starter next season. 6/10.

Valentin Barco: I really like the look of the Argentina teenager who signed for around £7m from Bocca Juniors last January. Liverpool and Man City were said to be keen but Barco opted for Brighton due to minutes on the pitch. De Zerbi eased him in and he played often during the latter part of the season – due to an injury to regular left back Pervis Estupinan. A feisty and skilful player with decent pace and whips in a great cross… what’s not to like. Gained experience this season and has the potential to be a major player next term. 7/10.

Yasin Ayari: The Sweden international midfielder arrived for around £3m in January 2023. He made three Premier League appearances and one in the FA Cup under De Zerbi before his season long loan at Blackburn. Made 23 appearances in the Championship for Rovers last term and is now back with Brighton and will hope to impress the next manager ahead of next season. 5/10.

James Milner: The 38-year-old arrived from Liverpool on a free transfer last summer. His experience and versatility proved handy for Brighton and De Zerbi in the early stages of last season but a thigh injury sustained in a 4-0 loss at relegated Luton scuppered his campaign. Signed a new one-year contract extension and will hope to be fit and ready to go for the next manager. His experience remains an asset, especially now Adam Lallana left and Pascal Gross may head to the Bundesliga. 5/10.

Ansu Fati: Sorry Ansu but it’s a 1/10. The Spain international arrived on loan from Barcelona with high expectations but failed to deliver. Brighton were reportedly paying £160,000 per week of his Barca salary and despite De Zerbi’s best efforts, he just could not get him fit enough or in the right frame of mind to perform in the Premier League. He made just three league starts and is now back at Barcelona with Hansi Flick. A costly 1/10.

Mo Dahoud: Another signing under De Zerbi that just did not work. The German midfielder arrived on a free transfer on a four-year contract after his stay at Dortmund. He looked good in pre-season but struggled with the demands on the Premier League. His red card during the home draw at home to Sheffield United seemed to be the end for him. Spent the second half of the season on loan with Deniz Undav at Stuttgart and the Germans have an option to buy the 28-year-old. 1/10.