Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi has seen a number of his star players exit (Photo: OLI SCARFF)
Injuries are starting to build-up for De Zerbi as Solly March and Danny Welbeck are the latest to add to the walking wounded ahead of a hectic fixture schedule.
“I think we can lose Solly March for a long time and Welbeck, I don’t know, it’s a muscular problem,” De Zerbi said. “We are losing too many players. I think we are not ready to compete in this competition, and we are adapting.”
Brighton have a history of selling their top talents in recent seasons. It’s certainly a model that has helped them progress financially and enabled them compete in the Premier League – but this season in-particular it seems to have slowed down the team-building process as they juggle the Premier League with the Europa League.
The Spain international moved to Chelsea last summer for around £25m. Fell out of favour with De Zerbi last term and some would argue that Jason Steele has proved more reliable between the sticks. Sanchez however remains a talented goalkeeper with huge potential. (Photo: JUSTIN TALLIS)
Here we take a look at Albion’s brilliant starting XI IF they had not sold their top talents in recent seasons…
The classy defender had one impressive season in the PL with Brighton and then moved to Arsenal for £50m in 2021. (Photo: Stuart MacFarlane)
Quite amazing that one of the PL giants hasn’t made a serious move for the Albion skipper in the past few seasons. Remains Brighton’s most important player and gets into any Albion dream XI. (Photo: Charlotte Tattersall)
Enjoyed a good spell with Brighton under previous boss Graham Potter and moved to Newcastle in 2022 for around £13m. A top player and enjoying his time and thriving at his boyhood club. (Photo: OLI SCARFF)
The Spain ace enjoyed one great season with Albion and then moved to Chelsea for a whopping £63m. Struggled a bit a Stamford Bridge but now starting to show his class. (Photo: David Price)
The midfield powerhouse joined Tottenham for around £30m. Injuries and Antonio Conte’s selection hindered his first season but he looks to be settling in well under Ange Postecoglou. (Photo: Henry Browne)
The player Brighton miss the most. An excellent midfielder and plays his role so well. Joined Chelsea for £115m and will likely be one of the best defensive midfielders in the world for many years to come. (Photo: JUSTIN TALLIS)
The World Cup winner also moved on this summer as he joined Liverpool for an initial fee of £35m. Brighton have struggled to replace that Caicedo-Mac Allister link… As any team would! (Photo: Jan Kruger)
The Belgium international joined Arsenal for around £28m last January. A classy operator who can play multiple attacking roles. Not always a regular starter for the Gunners but contributes well. (Photo: Stuart MacFarlane)
What a player and one Brighton as yet have not sold. Signed a new four-year deal last week and will hopefully be at the Amex for some time. Barcelona, Man CityArsenal, Tottenham and Man United are all said to be huge admirers of the Japan international attacker. (Photo: Naomi Baker)
The young striker is tipped as the next big money departure and completes our dream XI. Hopefully Brighton can keep this young talent for the next few seasons at least. (Photo: OLI SCARFF)
