In a recent reflection, former Brighton & Hove Albion manager Gus Poyet spoke highly of the club's Brazilian striker Joao Pedro, consequently asserting that he is a strong fit for Arsenal. Poyet's endorsement comes on the back of Pedro's impressive season, where he has netted eight goals and provided six assists from 23 Premier League appearances. The 23-year-old striker joined Brighton from Watford in 2023 for a transfer fee of £30 million, and under current manager Fabian Hurzeler, he has notably elevated his game.
"Joao Pedro can play for any Premier League team, including Arsenal," Poyet stated, echoing sentiments shared in their discussions about football. He emphasized Pedro's journey within the club, highlighting how he has taken on significant responsibilities and adapted well to the demands of the Premier League. Poyet noted, "He really impressed me, and I’m not surprised Joao is thriving under him." The forward's current contract ties him to Brighton until June 2028, with a valuation hovering around £80 million.
Pedro's strong performances have also secured him a spot in the Brazil national team, preparing for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina. Hurzeler has praised Pedro's attitude, stating, "Joao is a player who always has a little bit of self-confidence... he knows ‘I can decide a game with one action’, and he has the quality and skills to do this."
As fans eagerly anticipate watching their team compete, Brighton has organized a live screening event for their crucial match against Crystal Palace on April 5, 2025. The Seagulls, currently positioned seventh in the Premier League, seek to bounce back after suffering a 3-1 home defeat to Palace in December. The screening will take place at The Terrace, which will open at 11 a.m. and remain open until 11 p.m.
The match itself kicks off at 3 p.m. at Selhurst Park, and fans can gather to watch the match alongside fellow supporters on the club's giant screens while enjoying the inclusive atmosphere. Admission is set at £6, which includes a welcome drink upon arrival. As per the club’s announcement, under 18s are allowed, provided they’re accompanied by an adult, and seating will be unreserved based on a first-come, first-served basis. This initiative aims to strengthen community ties while providing supporters with a chance to share in the highs (and lows) of football.
In addition to engaging the fan base, Brighton is also making strategic moves in player development. Reports confirm the signing of 18-year-old South Korean winger Yun Do-Young, who has yet to be officially announced by the club but is reported to have completed his medical early in the week of March 17, 2025. Although he will face a loan period next season due to work permit limitations, expectations are high for him in the long run.
Yun Do-Young began his football journey with Suji Junior FC and progressed through ranks to Daejeon Hana Citizen, where he played both reserve and first-team matches. His most recent stats reveal he played 820 minutes over 19 games in the K League 1, contributing one goal and three assists. He has showcased a knack for finding the back of the net during his youth international appearances, boasting impressive performance numbers during the U17 and U20 competitions.
He is primarily known for his ability as a winger, particularly using his left foot, likened to players such as PSG’s Lee Kang-in and former Bayern Munich star Arjen Robben for his dribbling prowess. Analysts predict that he will offer Brighton a significant attacking option when he joins full-time for the 2026/27 season.
The intriguing aspect of Do-Young’s signing is how he fits into Brighton's already impressive squad, which includes talented attacking players like Pedro, Georginio Rutter, and Danny Welbeck. With so much competition for his preferred position, it will be interesting to see how he develops and potentially carves out his niche within Hürzeler's tactical framework.
Brighton’s proactive approach, centered on developing young talent like Do-Young while also bolstering leadership presence within the roster through players like Pedro, indicates a bright future for the club as they aim for greater heights in the Premier League and beyond.
