In 2019-20, Brighton & Hove Albion have completely undergone a change in playing style. Owners of the club have shown a real ambition and desire by appointing Graham Potter who by many is considered as “progressive” and “unconventional” in terms of management style.
Potter himself describes his sides as “tactically flexible, attacking, and possession-based“. He lead The Seagulls to a comfortable 15th place finish in first season in-charge at The Amex Stadium.
But that by no means is excellent. His side have let in 54 goals which places them with 9th worst in terms of goals conceded. Also the attack has not been able to nullify the weaknesses in the defense with Brighton & Hove Albion scoring just 39 goals and their top-scorer Neal Maupay scoring just 10 goals.
Here are some of the potential players that Brighton can look forward to signing next season:
WINGER / SUPPLEMENTARY FORWARD: Filip Kostić
Neal Maupay has had spectacular 2019-20, scoring 10 goals and providing 3 assists. But no other player in the current squad has been able break the double digit figure in terms of scoring with Leandro Trossard scoring just five goals. With Maupay still 28 we wanted a player who supplement Maupay rather than replace him.
Enter Serbian International Filip Kostić. The Eintracht Frankfurt winger has had a stellar 19-20 season. He has contributed 4 goals and 11 assists in just 33 Bundesliga appearances. He is versatile and can play any were in the forward lines.
He is an amazing dribbler, completing 2.5 take-ons per match while laying down 2.4 chances for his teammates. These are elite numbers and Transfermarkt values him at €32m.
If Kostic joins Brighton, it would be a huge coup as they not will ensure their survival but they challenge for a mid-table finish.
LEFT-BACK: Rico Henry
Graham Potter plays different styles and formations according to the opponent he faces. Which why Brighton need to recruit players who flexible and can play different roles according to Potter’s needs.
One such player is Brentford’s Rico Henry. He can play as full-back and wing-back according to system that manager chooses. The 23 year-old has had an amazing season in the Championship. He led his side to play-off final were they evenutally lost to Fulham.
Rico has contributed 3 assists which is okay but under Potter he can improve this output. Also he completed 2.6 defensive actions per match which is solid and he just dribbled past just 0.5 times per 90 which is an amazing stat considering the position he plays.
Valued at €2m Potter can take some burden off Dan Burn’s shoulders who has to play in this position due to a lack of left-back options.
