SussexWorld

All the latest from Brighton and Hove Albion news during the international break

Former Brighton defender Jan Pau van Hecke was heavily criticised after his display against Germany.

The Netherlands drew 1-1 with Jurgen Klopp's Germany in their UEFA Nations League A - Group 2 clash at the Johan Cruijff Arena last night.

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Cody Gakpo's 90th minute leveller cancelled out Felix Nmecha's first half strike that beat Brighton goal keeper Bart Verbruggen.

Van Hecke has had a tough time since leaving Brighton for Tottenham in the previous transfer window for £52m.

Spurs are rock bottom of the Premier League after five matches and the first fixture of the international break offered little comfort for the 26-year-old, who previously excelled during his time at Brighton.

‘Poor in every way’

Former Ajax and PSV man Kenneth Perez, speaking on ESPN, said: "Van Hecke was truly incredibly poor in every way.

"On the ball, he is a real nightmare. If the ball is right in front of him and there is a player in his line of sight, he manages just fine."

Perez added: “But if something needs to happen that is a bit unforeseen, he really has no idea.

"He just shoots the ball off somewhere. I don’t know how far [Arsenal’s Jurriën] Timber is?

"But that would really be an improvement for the Dutch national team.”

Gakpo denies Klopp

Gakpo denied his former Liverpool boss Klopp a win in his first game in charge of Germany.

Nmecha had put Germany ahead with what looked set to be the only goal of an intense Nations League match against the Netherlands at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam.

But Gakpo scored a spectacular volley at the death to earn the Dutch a deserved point.

A controversial game saw Virgil van Dijk have a goal harshly disallowed while Germany’s Kai Havertz and Dutch striker Brian Brobbey both suffered hamstring injuries.

Van Hecke and Xavi ‘s Netherlands are back in action this Sunday against Serbia.

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Andrew Crofts has left his position as assistant head coach at Brighton to take up a coaching role with Tottenham Hotspur.

Albion and Spurs have agreed upon a compensation package for Crofts’ services and he will now team-up with former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi in north London.

The two clubs have conducted plenty of business this summer. Earlier this window Jan Paul van Hecke moved to Spurs for £52m and Luka Vuskovic went in the opposite direction to Brighton for £50m.

Crofts: A special place

Crofts said, “I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone at Brighton & Hove Albion. This club will always hold a special place in my heart, and in the hearts of my family.

"I’m incredibly grateful to Tony Bloom and Paul Barber for the trust, faith and support they’ve shown in me throughout my time here.

“I want to give a special mention to Fabian, it’s been a privilege to work alongside him. My thanks also goes to all the players and staff I’ve shared this journey with, including the unforgettable achievements of the European qualifications we made possible together.

“Finally, thank you to the fans for their passion and support. Brighton will forever mean a great deal to me.”

A fresh opportunity for Crofts

Sporting director Mike Cave said, “Andrew has been a fantastic member of the coaching staff in both our men’s first team and the boys’ academy, adding a huge amount of value to every role he has undertaken.

“While we are disappointed to see him leave, we understand that this is a fresh opportunity for him to challenge himself in a new environment.

“He is a great example of the pathway at the club for both our players and staff. We wish him the best of luck for the future.”

Hurzeler: I learnt a lot from Crofts

Hurzeler added, “Crofty has been really important for me both on the training pitch and off it, given his strong connection to Brighton.

“The club has a well-known pathway for up-and-coming players, but he is a great example of the coaching pathway we have here too.

“It’s a credit to him that every time he has been presented with an opportunity he has taken it and I know that not only I, but also my coaching staff, have learnt a lot from him. I wish him good luck.”

Ex-Brighton midfielder

The former midfielder - who made 125 appearances for Albion - rejoined the club as under-21s player-coach in 2019, going on to become under-21s head coach.

He was placed in interim charge of the men’s first team following the departure of Graham Potter, before earning himself a permanent position in the first-team coaching staff under now-Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi.

He was promoted to assistant head coach to Hurzeler in August 2024.

New signing Pele Arganese-McDermott believes a ‘very good’ squad is being built at Crawley Town.

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The former Tottenham youngster was the third signing - out of eight so far - this summer for Reds and one of three new defenders to bolster the backline options for Colin Kazim-Richards.

The 20-year-old joined the club on a two-year deal, with the option of a third, and was a product of Luton Town’s academy system before joining Spurs in 2022 but Crawley Town will be his first foray into senior men’s football.

“I've settled in really well,” said the defender. “I think the lads are a great bunch. Colin demands very high standards. I'm still getting used to it. It's been two weeks now, but no, I'm really enjoying it. It's a really good start so far.”

And he is impressed with what he has seen from Kazim-Richards and the improved training facilities at their Falmer base.

He said: “I think Colin is very clear on what he wants and the way he wants to play, which is good. I like it. He's got a lot of attention to detail. Now I like the way he plays and I'm looking forward to hopefully implementing that.”

And on the training facilities, he added: “You can see where the club want to go. It shows ambition, which the players have as well. It's a good area to push.”

With the other signings Reds have made, Arganese-McDemott is confident Reds won’t find themselves in the same situation as they did last season.

“I’m very, very impressed. I think Colin and the people at Crawley are building a very good team,” he said. “There’s a lot of quality coming in, a lot of young lads, a lot of experienced lads. You need that balance.

“I think it's going to be a really positive season.”

With defenders Priestley Farquharson and Ty Ewens-Findlay also signing in addition to established defenders like Charlie Barker, Akin Odimayo and Ben Radcliffe, competition is stiff for places in the backline.

But Arganese-McDermott is not phased. “It's really good. I think competition makes everyone better, pushes everyone around you. It's your job to get the shirt on match day,” he said.

With plenty of new signings, there will be plenty of ‘initiation songs’ on that first overnight away trip for players and staff alike to enjoy.

But again, the former Spurs man is not phased and seemed confident of his singing abilities. When asked if he had been rehearsing, he said: “ I don't need to rehearse. I've got no problem with doing stuff like that. I'm quite cool with it actually.”

He added: “If it's team bonding, you have to get up and be able to sing. It's a trust thing as well. I'll be looking forward to hearing some of the lads sing as well.”

Brighton break their transfer record to land £50m defender from Tottenham

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Luka Vuskovic made a brief but clear statement after completing his £50m move to Brighton from Tottenham.

The 19-year-old Croatia international, who played against England at this summer’s World Cup, has agreed a five-year contract with the Seagulls, with an option for a further 12 months.

The centre-back, who did not make a single competitive appearance for Spurs, was eager for first-team football and favoured a permanent move, rather than another loan.

"Hi Brighton fans," said Vuskovic on a brief video on Brighton's X account.

"I'm really looking forward to see you all and to make good memories together. See you soon."

It was short and sweet from the Croatian who will now get ready for the new season as the Seagulls prepare to juggle Premier League and Conference League football next term.

The initial fee is said to be £46m but Spurs could receive an additional £4m in add-on fees, while the deal includes a 20 per cent sell-on clause.

Vuskovic joined Tottenham from Hajduk Split in 2025 and spent last season on loan at German club Hamburg.

Hurzeler: There has been a lot of noise

Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler told his club’s website: “Luka has enjoyed a fantastic start to his career – it’s one we’ve followed closely. Last season he demonstrated he can play at a very high level and we want to help him build on that within our environment.

“There’s been a lot of external noise about Luka joining us, but he is still a young guy who will need time to adjust to the demands of playing for Brighton and the Premier League. We are confident that he will take this in his stride though.”

Vuskovic later added: "It was always Brighton. Like Hamburg, Brighton is a unique city. A place that's I'm excited to call home. After speaking with Fabian, I could tell this club was special. I can't wait to be part of this journey.

"Everyone across the world knows what Brighton stands for. The way, thew team plays, their vision, their ambition. I am ready, see you soon."

Brighton and Tottenham fan reaction

@BrightonBubble: What a signing. Welcome to Brighton Luka 💙

@MikeKing14_: Crazy signing. A huge statement of intent from the club and a real credit to how far the model has come.

@foster_bar66367: This could come back to bite spurs in the backside

@robbyyy: Great player. Needs to improve his speed to succeed in the Premier League though. Too easily found out against pace, especially over the first 20yds. Will score plenty of goals too.

@Quint22Si: He is going to be a very good player for you guys and the sale was right for everybody involved. He wouldn't be getting into our first 11 on a regular basis at the moment, which he wanted. That 20% future profit clause will come in handy.

All the latest transfer and contract news for Brighton and Hove Albion and across the Premier League

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Brighton have signed defender Luka Vuskovic from Tottenham Hotspur for a record breaking £50m.

The 19-year-old Croatia international has joined on a five-year deal, with an option for a further year.

The fee paid surpasses Brighton’s previous transfer record of they £40m they paid to Leeds for Georginio in 2024.

It’s quite the coup for Brighton as Vuskovic had previously been linked with Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool, among others.

Hurzeler: Luka Vuskovic is high level

Head coach Fabian Hurzeler said, “Luka has enjoyed a fantastic start to his career - it’s one we’ve followed closely.

“Last season he demonstrated he can play at a very high level and we want to help him build on that within our environment.

“There’s been a lot of external noise about Luka joining us, but he is still a young guy who will need time to adjust to the demands of playing for Brighton and to the Premier League.

“We are confident that he will take this in his stride though.”

Youngest appearance maker at Hajduk Split

The centre back came through the ranks in his homeland with Hajduk Split, making his senior league debut two days after his 16th birthday, in February 2023.

That made him the joint youngest appearance maker in Croatia’s top-flight history. He spent the second half of the 2023/24 season on loan with Polish side Radomiak Radom, before joining Belgian Pro League outfit Westerlo on loan the following campaign.

His form there earned him a move to Tottenham. Last season proved to be the one that established Vuskovic as one of the most sought after young defenders on the continent, as he shone for Hamburg.

There he won four Bundesliga Rookie of the Month awards, as well as the overall Rookie of the Season award.

That form secured his spot in the Bundesliga Team of the Year, while he has demonstrated a real eye for goal at this early stage in his career.

In 78 senior club appearances he has scored 16 goals, while he has also found the back of the net once in his six appearances for Croatia.

He is capable of the spectacular, scooping the Belgian Golden Shoe Goal of the Year award in 2024, before winning the Bundesliga equivalent for 2025.

The most recent of his international appearances came at this summer's World Cup, when he started in his country's group stage game against England.

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Tottenham have agreed to let highly-rated centre-back Luka Vuskovic leave to join Brighton in a deal which could reportedly rise to £50m.

Vuskovic signed for Spurs in 2023 at the age of 16 for £12m and despite failing to make a competitive appearance for the north London club, the Croatian defender has developed a reputation as one of the brightest young talents in Europe across multiple loan spells.

With plenty of competition in the centre-back position at Tottenham, Vuskovic made clear his desire to play first-team football for the upcoming 2026-27 season and will continue his development at Premier League rivals Brighton.

Brighton will spend an initial £46m to sign Vuskovic with an achievable £4m in add-ons part of the overall package plus a 20 per cent sell-on clause for Spurs, who have brought in defensive reinforcements this summer in the form of Senesi and Van Hecke from the Seagulls.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano posted: “ EXCLUSIVE: Brighton agree deal to sign Luka Vušković from Tottenham, here we go!

“£46m fixed fee plus sell-on clause to bring the potential package over £50m. Massive signing for #BHAFC after personal terms also agreed. Spurs ready to go ALL IN for Sandro Tonali.”

The pending arrival of Vuskovic adds to the £18m signing of Pascal Struijk from Leeds United on five-year contract.

All the latest transfer news and gossip for Brighton and Hove Albion and across the Premier League

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Brighton have agreed a deal with Leeds for defender Pascal Struijk, according to reports.

The Seagulls are looking to strengthen again following the sale of centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke to Tottenham in a £52million deal.

Struijk, who joined Leeds from Ajax in January 2018, made 34 appearances in the Premier League last season.

A deal between the two clubs in the region of £20m is widely reported to have been agreed. Struijk is contracted with Leeds until 2027.

Brighton have also been linked with moves for Tottenham’s Croatian defender Luka Viskovic and Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor.

Chalobah on the move?

Elsewhere, As Chelsea continue to be linked with a move for Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka, Trevoh Chalobah could be heading for the Stamford Bridge exit as Sky Sports Italia report Como have offered a £23million deal.

Newcastle’s pursuit for Borussia Dortmund’s Germany midfielder Felix Nmecha could already be over, with the Newcastle Chronicle reporting the former Manchester City youngster is out of their price range.

Marcus Rashford has not given up hope of returning to Barcelona after last season’s loan, but according to talkSPORT he could be made to wait with the Spanish champions in no rush to make a decision on whether to complete a deal.

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Tottenham have made Martin Dubravka their fourth signing of the summer in a move which could pave the way for Antonin Kinsky to become first-choice goalkeeper.

Roberto De Zerbi’s Spurs had been previously been strongly linked with Brighton stopper Jason Steele. De Zerbi worked well with Steele during their time together at Albion.

Steele, 35, is currently on international duty with England at this summer’s World Cup as a training goalkeeper.

De Zerbi said: “I am very happy because Martin is a goalkeeper with big experience and a strong mentality.

“He has very important qualities for me and will bring balance, leadership and competitiveness to our dressing room.”

Dubravka joins Spurs

Experienced former Newcastle and Manchester United stopper Dubravka has agreed to join Spurs on a free transfer after he left Burnley at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

The decision to turn to Dubravka instead of a high-profile keeper is the latest show of faith in Kinsky, who bounced back from a nightmare display against Atletico Madrid in March to star in Tottenham’s successful relegation battle.

It is understood that Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is expected to leave Spurs this summer, Kinsky will become number one and have Dubravka, 37, behind him for support and competition.

Dubravka said: “It’s an exciting time for me, a new journey and new experience for me and my family. I’m looking forward to it.

“Everything moved pretty quickly and I’m really happy to be here.

“I’ve loved watching (boss) Roberto (De Zerbi)’s teams over the years and know all about his style, vision and the fantastic fans here.

“Tottenham is one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League and I can’t wait to meet everyone and get started.”

De Zerbi adds to Van Hecke and Robertson arrivals

Dubravka spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Manchester United as back-up keeper and will likely get opportunities at Tottenham in domestic cup competitions.

Excellent with the ball at his feet, the Slovakia international follows Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and former Brighton man Jan Paul van Hecke in joining De Zerbi’s revolution at Spurs this summer.

Brighton remain keen on signing Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic. Albion’s latest bid to sign the Croatian is believed to be around £45m.

New Crawley Town signing Pele Arganese-McDermott stressed the role that head coach Colin Kazim-Richards had in bringing him to the club.

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The former Tottenham Hotspur youngster joined the Reds on a two-year deal with the option of a third to become Kazim-Richards' third signing of the summer.

Arganese-McDermott has followed midfielder Stephen Duke-McKenna and goalkeeper Vito Mannone to the Broadfield Stadium this month, with the latter joining as a player-coach.

The trio are Kazim-Richards first summer acquisitions as permanent boss after he was rewarded for steering the Reds to League Two safety at the end of last season.

Three signings before pre-season signals intent to build solid foundations quickly, and Arganese-McDermott admitted he was pleased to get the deal done early in his first official interview with the club.

He said: “It's brilliant from a selfish point of view to know what you’re doing next season, so you can prepare and almost get to know where you're coming in, who you're going to be with. And I'm happy Crawley did because it's a great club.

“The manager's very, very good. The conversation I had with him was excellent and it seems a very determined club, so I'm happy for that.”

Kazim-Richards enjoyed an extensive playing career himself that spanned almost two decades - experience that the Reds’ new signing feels can aid his own development.

“I think he's a very, very determined individual,” Arganese-McDermott said. “He knows exactly what he wants.

“But he's also played, so he understands which is a massive thing for me. My chat was very positive with him, very assuring.”

He added: “I'm only 20 years old. I need to take everything I can from people like Colin who have played the game.

“You just want to absorb it all, which I try to do at all times. So, it's a bonus that he's played at a level he did as well.”

The 20-year-old is making his first foray into men’s football after starting out in Luton Town’s academy before spending five years at Spurs.

Arganese-McDermott acknowledged the fond memories of his times at those clubs but believes he is ready for the next step.

He said: “I had a great time at Luton, a great time at Spurs, but for the time in my career, I needed to go and play men's football and Crawley is the perfect place for me to do it.

“I felt such a love and a want to be here. It's just the perfect place for me to go and play men's football.”

He added: “I think, in football, there's a lot of uncertainty. And for me now, I know I'm going to be here now for the next certain period of time and I can settle down.

“And then once you settle down, your football can really come through, which I'm hoping to do.”

Crawley fans will be able to see their new signing in action in their first pre-season friendly away at Eastleigh on Saturday, July 25, while the squad returns to training on Tuesday, July 7.

A former Spurs academy forward and National League South promotion winner is Steve King’s latest Eastbourne Borough recruit.

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The Sports have snapped up Darren McQueen, whose 38 games for Hornchurch last season included both play-off ties as the Urchins won promotion to the National League.

The 31-year-old made over 80 appearances for the club over two seasons, having joined from Ebbsfleet. Over two spells with the club, he earned two promotions – in 2017/18 and then 2022/23 and played 149 games over both spells.

McQueen has also featured for Dulwich Hamlet, Dagenham & Redbridge and Dartford having coming through the academy at Tottenham.

Borough boss King told the EBFC website: “I’m really excited to get Darren over the line.

"It’s another promotion-winning player we have managed to get to Eastbourne from step one Hornchurch.

“I worked with Darren before – he got over 20 goals for me at Dartford when we reached the Conference South play-off final.

“I’ve been looking for someone with electric pace to get in behind the back of defences, and we have managed to get that in Darren.

“I really enjoyed working with him before and I look forward to doing the same again.

"It’s another signing which marks our intent this season and one which will compliment a great squad.”

Another Borough exit has also been announced – Maxwell Mullins has left the club after making 17 appearances last season and scoring two goals.

The Sports thanked him for his efforts and wished him well.

Borough have completed their pre-season friendly plans by setting up a match against Jermaine Defoe’s National League outfit Woking at the Connect Management Stadium on Saturday, August 1.

It will be the final game for King’s men before the Isthmian Premier campaign starts a week later.

Schedule in full: Eastbourne United (A) July 11; Haywards Heath Town (A) July 14; Dover Athletic (A) July 18; Eastbourne Town (H) July 25; Tonbridge Angels (A) July 28; Woking (H) August 1.

Tickets will not be available online for either of the two home friendlies, with payment upon entry at the turnstiles.