Brighton go into the 2025/26 Premier League campaign full of confidence after finishing 8th last season – matching their second-highest ever top-flight finish.
Under the calm, modern leadership of 32-year-old Fabian Hurzeler – the youngest permanent manager in Premier League history – the Seagulls once again proved they could compete with the best through fluid football, smart recruitment, and tactical bravery.
Brighton fixtures 2025:
16 August: Brighton v Fulham
24 August: Everton v Brighton
31 August: Brighton v Man City
13 September: Bournemouth v Brighton
20 September: Brighton v Tottenham
Brighton kick off the season at the Amex against a Fulham side coming off a mid-table finish. Fulham struggled away from home last season, making this an ideal opportunity for Hurzeler’s men to set the tone early.
A first road test takes Brighton to Goodison Park – always a tough place to go. Everton claimed a narrow win in this fixture last season and will be backed by a loud home crowd.
A marquee early-season clash at the Amex. City remain the gold standard, but Brighton have given them headaches before – the sides drew 2-2 in March. Hurzeler’s tactical setup will face its biggest test yet, and Brighton will need to be precise both with and without the ball to compete.
Following the international break, Brighton head down the coast to face a high-energy Bournemouth side, who could be among their competitors for a continental spot come the end of the season.
The Seagulls round off their opening stretch with a huge test against Tottenham at the Amex. Just a few points separated these sides last season, and this could prove to be an early six-pointer in the race for Europe.
In terms of transfer activity, Brighton have lost three key players in the form of Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Simon Adingra (Sunderland) and Pervis Estupinan (AC Milan) while planning for the future with an injection of youth.
Speaking during Brighton’s pre-season tour, Hurzeler shared his thoughts on the state of the squad.
“Compared to my first pre-season we have better relationships, we have known each other a long time now. Overall, we are on a higher level but there are always things to improve,” said Hurzeler.
Brighton standings – Historic log positions
2020/21 – 16th
2021/22 – 9th
2022/23 – 6th
2023/24 – 11th
2024/25 – 8th
