Brighton's six Conference League opponents confirmedpublished at 12:51 BST
12:51 BST
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton's draw is complete - Fabian Hurzeler's side now know the six sides they will be meeting in the Conference League's 36-club league phase.
The teams were seeded into six pots based on their results in Uefa competitions over the past five years, with pot one being the highest-ranked and pot six being the lowest-ranked.
Each club has been drawn against one team from each of the six pots, but they can only play a maximum of two teams from one country and they cannot play against a team from their domestic league.
The Albion will face: Monaco (home), Panathinaikos (away), CS Craiova (home), Getafe (away), Kauno Zalgiris (home), Jablonec (away).
The order of those fixtures will be announced by Uefa in due course.
Hurzeler on Minteh, Hinshelwood patience and Conference Leaguepublished at 11:29 BST
11:29 BST
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (kick-off 14:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
On Yankuba Minteh: "He is a player for Brighton and at the moment there is nothing else to say. I admire from him that when this window is closed that he is fully committed to this club. Of course there are always dreams of players and there are some wishes for players but in the end we always need to figure what is best for the club and therefore we had an exchange with him. At the moment he's definitely a Brighton player. I can't say anything more so let's see what happens."
When asked about an update on Minteh's return: "He is in rehab now. It won't be a short-term injury, it will be a few weeks so hopefully he can heal fast and become an important player for us again."
Hurzeler discussed Friday's Conference League draw and Brighton's chances in the competition: "In every cup competition you have chances so of course, in certain moments you need a little bit of luck, a little bit of momentum but overall I think the success from the English teams is also the belief, the confidence to do it so we know it is a different year, a different area so let's see how it's going this season."
When asked if he would be happy with his squad if the window closed now: "Yes. There's a minor issue with small injuries but I'm not here to complain, I'm here to find solutions together with my team and that's what we try to do since day one so yes, I'm happy with the squad."
On Georginio Rutter and Jack Hinshelwood's fitness: "With both, we will have to be patient. There might be a chance for one of them to be in the squad [against Chelsea]. With Jack we have to be more patient. Let's see how the next weeks are going. I can't give you a clear schedule when the players will be back. We have to go day-by-day. With Gini, I see a higher chance that he might be part of the squad. Jack we'll have to be more patient. Let's see."
When asked about the availability of new signings Jaouen Hadjam and Promise David: "I'm quite convinced they will be options for us at the weekend and that's positive. I think they are two great players. Two great personalities. They make our squad stronger."
Hurzeler warned his side cannot defend against Cole Palmer "one-to-one" and instead must be collectively good around the forward and Chelsea's other talents.
On Danny Welbeck: "We had a really, really good relationship and like I always said, I was really grateful working with him because he helped me a lot. He helped me on the pitch. He helped me beside the pitch. Therefore I'm really delighted to see that he scored yesterday. On Sunday he can take a break and then afterwards I wish him all the best again."
On Diego Gomez who could make his 50th appearance v Chelsea: "From the second he arrived, he showed a great impression. From the first second he stepped more and more into his role and is becoming a very important player for us so therefore I'm really delighted with his development so far. He still has more things for us. We need to give him now this chance to develop. He shows an unbelievable motivation of improving every day and therefore I think the future can be very bright for him."
Sarah: We're looking strong and decisive. The atmosphere at the Amex was electric and the players looked like they were enjoying themselves. Respect to the Tromso fans, who bounced, clapped and waved flags throughout the whole game. What a fantastic level of support for their team; so refreshing after years of seeing Premier League fans sloping off early as soon as they go two goals down!
Ed: Ridiculous depth in the squad to take it on. Probably come up short but Ajax in the final could be memorable! UTA
Fran: Excellent training match. Looked really good all over the pitch. Tromso didn't really offer anything and defensively we do look really solid. Next up, Brighton reserves on Sunday!
Mick: Brighton have a good squad and look a fair team again. They will give the big clubs problems again this season. They don't really care who they play, they just go for it and attack.
Chris: Olivier Boscagli is making himself indispensable and a key component of the first XI. Fair play to the guy after what must have been a hugely frustrating 2025-26 season.
The Seagulls' boss said: "I'm very happy for the players, for the fans – they created another good atmosphere. It was very energetic, very special."
After a 0-0 draw in the first leg despite 25 attempts on goal, Albion were ruthless on Thursday, with goals from Charalampos Kostoulas, Maxim de Cuyper, Mats Wieffer and Olivier Boscagli.
Hurzeler added: "We are very grateful for this opportunity. We know it will be a big challenge we have to face, but we seem to be ready."
"The key will be that we can maintain these standards. They key will be that we can maintain this intensity in the Premier League but also in Europe.
"Hopefully we are prepared for that. We will try to give our best, go game by game, and then we see what happens."
The draw for the league phase will take place at 12:00 BST on Friday.
Brighton want to give fans 'another European tour' - Grosspublished at 18:22 BST 26 August
18:22 BST 26 August
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton host Tromso in the second leg of their Conference League play-off on Thursday. The first leg ended goalless.
Seagulls midfielder Pascal Gross has said the team "don't want to waste" the work done last season to qualify and hope to give their fans the chance to go on another "European tour".
Brighton appeared in the Europa League in 2023-24, their only other season in European competition, and reached the last 16.
The experienced German is hoping a home crowd can help his side progress to the league phase.
Asked in the pre-game press conference about how special the second leg could be, Gross responded: "Really special. Like the gaffer said, it is a do-or-die game.
"In these games there are no excuses, you have to do it. And we want to do it because last year was very hard to finish eighth in the Premier League. It's a tough league and we don't want to waste it. We are in Europe, we want to qualify and give our fans another European tour home and away, therefore, we need to do the job.
"We need to take our opportunities, we need to score. We are at our home with our fans, it's a totally different game. It's a totally different environment for them as well, therefore I'm really positive."
He added: "It's different to league games because you don't have another chance to do it again, so we just need to find the right balance between attack and defence.
"It's a game of 90 minutes or longer, stay calm, but also we are at home. We are strong and we should really believe in ourselves. We showed at the weekend what we are capable of. We have our crowd and we are really confident that we go to the next round."
Hurzeler on 'do-or-die' game, Minteh and building a 'fortress'published at 17:08 BST 26 August
17:08 BST 26 August
Huzaifah Khan BBC Sport journalist
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Thursday's Conference League game against Tromso at Amex Stadium (kick-off 19:30 BST).
The first leg of their play-off tie last week ended goalless.
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Hurzeler said there are no new issues to report but Georginio Rutter has to take it "day by day" with his small injury, while Ferdi Kadioglu will "definitely" be in the squad for Thursday's game.
On new signing Jaouen Hadjam, Hurzeler said: "I think he proved it already in the past, also in the World Cup, he's capable of playing at the highest level. He played in a different league with different demands, so now it's important to see how fast he can adapt to the Premier League and the intensity of our game, how we want to play football."
On his side's focus with a big game against Chelsea on Sunday: "First of all, we should focus on the game tomorrow. That's the main thing. It's a do-or-die game, we know we'll face a tough opponent in Tromso."
He called links between Liverpool and Yankuba Minteh "rumours" and added: "It's important for a player to understand what you have here playing for a club like Brighton. You have a club that gives you a chance. You have a club and team-mates that are trying to push you. You have a club that's there for you also in tough moments, like Carlos Baleba had so many tough moments when he was here. Minteh also had tough moments but we are always there for them."
Hurzeler also issued a rallying cry to Brighton fans, saying: "I had a fan event yesterday and one of my messages towards everyone was that we want to build a fortress at home. We want to be a team that are so difficult to play against because of how we play football, but also because we have a special connection towards the fans and a special atmosphere."
He added: "Hopefully everyone who sees this press [conference] comes tomorrow to the game, creates a special atmosphere, creates a night we never forget, and hopefully we can make things possible tomorrow for them and for our belief and confidence."
Finally, on whether his side have practised penalties in case it goes the distance, the German boss said it's a "constant thing" his side train, like corners and free-kicks.
Hurzeler has to go 'very strong' against Tromso - Aspinallpublished at 09:08 BST 26 August
09:08 BST 26 August
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton face Norwegian side Tromso in the second leg of their Conference League play-off tie on Thursday following a goalless draw 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle last week.
Seagull boss Fabian Hurzeler has a big decision to make on whether he should start a strong team just three days before his side play away at Chelsea. His side are huge favourites to make it through to the League Phase of the competition but won't want to be on the end of an embarrassing upset in their search for a first major trophy in the club's history.
Both former Seagulls players Warren Aspinall and Guy Butters believe Hurzeler should go strong against their Norwegian counterparts.
Speaking on the Albion Unlimited podcast, Aspinall said: "Get the job done and put the strongest side out. See if we can get a few goals in the first half then take players off. Man for man we're better than them. As a team, we're better than them but never underestimate them because they should've won that game at home.
"It'll be completely different at the Amex with our crowd. I assume they will bring a good following but we should be beating Tromso. It's a massive game for the football club. Six extra games in Europe, financially as well, so I think he has to go very strong."
Butters agreed with Aspinall's thoughts, saying: "I think it's a good chance to get people game time again. Alright, we won at the weekend, but I still think the minutes you play with each other, when you're a player, you want to play every game, every minute.
"He will have one eye on Sunday as well but I'd go for it in this game."
Seagulls sign 'modern' left-back in Jaouenpublished at 09:07 BST 26 August
09:07 BST 26 August
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton have signed a "modern" left-back blessed with "pace" in Jaouen Hadjam, says sporting director Mike Cave.
The Seagulls secured Hadjam in a deal with Swiss Super League champions Young Boys.
The 23-year-old has signed a five-year deal and brings experience early in his career having made 98 appearances across the Swiss League and Europa League, as well as appearances for Algeria during the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.
Cave said: "We believe Jaouen will be a great addition to the group, adding to our already strong options in defence.
"He is a modern left-back known for his pace, attacking output and technical abilities which fits our style of play well. He has proven himself to be a versatile player in Switzerland and we are looking forward to working with him."
When is the EFL Cup third-round draw?published at 07:00 BST 26 August
07:00 BST 26 August
Jonty Colman BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
The third-round draw for the 2026-27 Carabao Cup will take place on Wednesday, 26 August following the conclusion of Preston North End vs Everton.
Nine Premier League clubs taking part in European football join the 23 first-round winners from across the English Football League.
Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Sunderland, Brighton and Crystal Palace will enter the competition at this stage, as the top eight Premier League clubs from the 2025-26 season plus Crystal Palace as Conference League winners.
It will be broadcast live on Sky Sports following the conclusion of the third round tie between Preston North End and Everton, kicking off at 20:00 BST.
Unlike the opening two rounds of the competition, the third round draw is not regionalised.
However, before the match at Deepdale there will be a pre-draw determining which of the Champions League and Europa League clubs will play at home or away in round three.
In order to avoid potential scheduling issues, the eight Champions League and Europa League clubs cannot be drawn against each other in round three.
When the draw takes place, the first eight fixtures decided are the ones involving clubs in the Champions League and Europa League. The remainder of the draw will be an open draw as usual.
Due to clashes with opening weeks of the Champions League and Europa League seasons, the third round will be played across two different weeks. They are the weeks commencing Monday, 7 and Monday, 14 September, 2026.
What do Brighton still need in the transfer window?published at 15:44 BST 25 August
15:44 BST 25 August
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
It is anticipated Yankuba Minteh will leave for Liverpool, which might create space at Brighton for another forward and Carlos Baleba's impending exit for Manchester United may mean the Seagulls move for midfield reinforcements.
It is possible there may be other exits but, as usual, Brighton will stick to their data-driven recruitment plan.
"We must continue to evolve, invest and innovate while remaining true to the principles that have brought us this far," was chairman Tony Bloom's message to fans before the 4-0 win over Aston Villa.
Maz Mirzadeh, Brighton fan
With Baleba's anticipated departure and it looking likely Minteh might leave as well, we need to bring in a defensive midfielder who provides a physical presence in our midfield and a winger proven at the top level.
We have a lot of games this season with European football, so we need to have the squad depth to compete on all fronts if we want to secure a top-10 finish again.
What business do you think still needs to get done before 23:00 BST on 1 September?
🎧 Albion Unlimited: Up and running!published at 13:50 BST 25 August
13:50 BST 25 August
Lewis Dunk assesses the start to the season, the panel study the latest transfer reports and there's a look ahead to the games against Tromso and Chelsea.
Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
Listen to every Brighton game live on BBC Radio Sussex, with all the build-up and full commentary with Johnny Cantor and Warren Aspinall, and there is a full preview of all Seagulls' matches on Fridays at 18:00 in The Weekend Warm-up
The season has started with a bang. With so many new coaches and major squad upheavals, I expected the unexpected and wasn't disappointed.
Hull City seeing off Manchester United raised the most eyebrows. Remember, United ended last season impressively and their hosts just about squeezed up from the Championship, via the play-offs. These are early days and Michael Carrick's side will improve, so need to panic yet. As for Hull, their performance hinted at something else.
Last season Brentford, Brighton and Bournemouth didn't have the slightest hint of an inferiority complex when facing the super-clubs. The Tigers have started in the same style and I suspect others have now seen the light and will follow their lead.
Many are now embracing the idea of chaos, following the control-based dogma that held sway for so long. Some suggest this is "Kloppism" eclipsing the Guardiola doctrine. This is a bit simplistic but there is change in the air and it is being helped by the recent rule changes.
The game is speeding up, encouraging a quicker, more open style that lends itself to this organised chaos. It's early days, but already a pattern appears set for the season; reputations might count for little when up against hungry, youthful, fearless opponents.
Spurs and Aston Villa are seen as "big" clubs but size doesn't matter when confronted by a hunger, desire to work and the ensuing mayhem.
Just look at the way Brentford and Brighton closed both of them down at the weekend; Manchester City were within six minutes of losing to Bournemouth; Liverpool were seconds away from losing to Newcastle, a team supposedly gutted of quality and experience after those brutal summer sales.
Pat Nevin writes weekly in the Football Extra newsletter. If you're outside the UK and would like to receive it, sign up here.
Sam: I was concerned before the season started. Gaps across the pitch, especially in wide areas, but wow! The intensity in the press led to two great goals. Great performance and work done in the first half - then after, all about game management. Brilliant start to the season and a great atmosphere at the Amex. Roll on Thursday and Chelsea away.
Gordon: Villa have been our nemesis for a while so it's good to beat them.
David: A brilliant, aggressive, front-footed first half where the half-time score in no way flattered them. Every player seemed to want to go forward, which has never been the Brighton way. But what a difference in the second half, especially after the substitutions. Back to sideways and backwards passing - the fast, forward passing of the first half was forgotten. So let's be grateful for four goals, a clean sheet and top of the table.
Barry: What a fantastic performance from Brighton! A brilliant 4–0 victory over Aston Villa, with every player contributing. The team looked sharp, confident and dangerous throughout, and Danny Welbeck's absence was barely felt. A superb all-round display and a thoroughly deserved win.
Villa fans
Ian: Villa were really poor and embarrassing! They deserved everything they got from Brighton. Villa players giving the ball away in dangerous areas and no idea of any movement off the ball. Obviously there is a lot of uncertainty with things happening in the transfer window, but things need tightening up. I trust Unai Emery to sort it, especially when injured players are available again.
Dan: Such a worry to start the season like this. The team selected looked so short of quality - then then combine that with the very poor performance, gifting Brighton a number of goals, and it does not look good. Hope we have some signings coming, a few players to regain fitness and Emery can get them being consistent! Doesn't help to have the circus around Ollie Watkins!
Andy: One result should not define a season and clearly there's a rebuilding job to do at Villa. Let's not panic as there have been huge changes in players and the new players will take time to gel. Joao Gomes is quality and will only learn from Sunday, plus will be amazing for us! Keep the faith…
Rod: No striker, no midfield, no first-choice keeper. With the core missing, we did well to lose 4-0. Keep the faith - but I have a gut feeling Unai will depart soon.
Image source, Getty Images
