Brighton & Hove Albion will begin their 2025/26 Premier League season at the Amex Stadium against Fulham on August 16 with a squad that looks very different from last term after several important summer signings.
Italian centre-back Diego Coppola has arrived from Hellas Verona and Olivier Boscagli has been brought in from PSV to strengthen the defence, while Maxim De Cuyper has joined from Club Brugge bringing valuable Champions League experience along with his ability to attack and defend from the left flank.
However, the move that has truly caught attention is the signing of 18-year-old Greek striker Charalampos Kostoulas from Olympiacos on a five-year contract for around £35 million, which stands as the second-largest transfer fee in Brighton's history.
Away from arrivals, speculation has grown over the future of midfielder Carlos Baleba, with Manchester United reportedly interested in prising him away. Brighton, however, are determined to keep him, reportedly valuing the player north of £100m and interested in holding onto him until at least 2026.
Fulham have had a very different summer with far less movement in the transfer market and their only confirmed signing so far is goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte from Montpellier for a fee of around £500,000. This lack of activity has raised concerns about the depth of their squad and manager Marco Silva is said to be frustrated about the slow progress in adding new players.
Brighton vs. Fulham: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest
Brighton will be without Solly March until mid-September as he recovers from a knee injury, while Adam Webster faces a lengthy absence after knee-ligament surgery. Julio Enciso is still sidelined following a meniscectomy.
Jack Hinshelwood and Baleba are being assessed ahead of Saturday's opener, with the latter back in training this week but potentially unsettled by the United speculation. Diego Gomez and Kostoulas are also under evaluation.
Fabian Hurzeler may look to summer signings to freshen up the lineup, with new full-back De Cuyper expected to start, while players like Yankuba Minteh and Mats Wieffer are also in contention for places.
Brighton predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Verbruggen (GK) — Wieffer, Van Hecke, Dunk, De Cuyper — Ayari, Gomez — Minteh, O'Riley, Mitoma — Rutter
Injured: March (knee), Enciso (knee), Webster (knee), Baleba (knee, doubt), Kostoulas (match fitness, doubt), Gomez (calf, doubt), Hinshelwood (Knock, doubt)
Suspended: None
Fulham will have fewer injury concerns going into Gameweek 1, with only Antonee Robinson ruled out as he continues recovery from knee surgery in May.
Ryan Sessegnon is a doubt after sustaining an issue in the final preseason game, with Silva awaiting further assessment.
There could be a selection battle for the No.10 role between young midfielder Callum King and Emile Smith Rowe, with King's preseason form making him a strong contender, though Smith Rowe's experience might give him the edge.
Raul Jimenez is expected to lead the attack after scoring a free-kick in the final friendly.
Fulham predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Leno (GK) — Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Castagne — Berge, Lukic — Smith Rowe, Wilson, Iwobi — Jimenez
Injured: Robinson (knee), Sessegnon (other, doubt)
Suspended: None
Brighton vs. Fulham match details
- Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
- Kickoff time: 3 p.m. local time / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT
- Location: Amex Stadium, Brighton (England)
- Competition: Premier League
- Referee: Sam Barrott
- VAR: Matt Donohue
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