Why Brighton could get relegated next season — Richard Keys

As the Premier League prepares for its August 17 kickoff, just 90 days after the conclusion of the 2023/24 campaign and this summer’s Euro 2024 action, football pundit Richard Keys has made a bold prediction.

Keys believes Brighton & Hove Albion are heading for relegation following significant changes at the club over the summer.

Despite finishing 11th last season with 48 points, comfortably clear of the relegation zone, Keys argues that Brighton’s recent developments, particularly the departure of head coach Roberto De Zerbi and the appointment of 31-year-old Fabian Hurzeler as his successor, spell trouble for the Seagulls.

“Put Brighton down for relegation,” Keys wrote in his blog. “What a strange appointment they’ve made – 31-year-old Fabian Hurzeler.”

Keys expressed concern about Hurzeler’s relative youth compared to many of Brighton’s key players. He highlighted the potential issues this dynamic could create within the squad, mentioning experienced players like Jason Steele (33), Lewis Dunk (32), Joel Veltman (32), Pascal Gross (32), James Milner (38), and Danny Welbeck (33).

“There’s his first problem. He’s younger than many of his key players… He could lose his dressing room all too easily if he gets off on the wrong foot.”

Keys also compared Brighton’s current situation to that of their near neighbours Southampton, who faced a decline after a series of managerial changes and poor performances.

“Good luck to him. I’ve said many times that I’ve got a real soft spot for Brighton, but I fear they’re going down the same path as their near neighbours Southampton. There’s only so many times that you can go to the ‘clever’ well before you find it’s run dry.”

Hurzeler, who signed a three-year contract, previously led St Pauli to their first promotion to the top flight in Germany in 31 years.