Brighton Team News Page 2 - Soccer

Diego Gomez - Suffers minor knee injury Gomez was substituted in the 67th minute of Paraguay's 1-0 victory against Turkey due to a minor knee injury, according to El Debate.

Impact Gomez's status will be assessed over the coming days before any further clarity emerges on his availability for Paraguay's upcoming fixtures. The nature of the issue being described as minor is an encouraging early sign for the midfielder's recovery timeline. If he had to miss the clash against Australia on Thursday, Mauricio will likely see a larger role in the front line.

JUNE 20 • ROTOWIRE

Facundo Buonanotte - Returns to Brighton Buonanotte will return to parent club Brighton following the conclusion of his loan spell at Leeds United, the club announced.

Impact Buonanotte made just three appearances during his time at Leeds, contributing two shots and one chance created in what proved to be a limited stint at the club. Leeds United thanked him for his effort and professionalism during his time in West Yorkshire and wished him well for the future as he heads back to Brighton ahead of the 2026/27 season.

JUNE 19 • ROTOWIRE

Carl Rushworth - Rejoining Brighton Rushworth is back with his parent club Brighton with his loan period at Coventry City coming to an end after the 2025/26 season.

Impact Rushworth was a key starter for the newly promoted Coventry side, averaging 2.7 saves and 1.0 goals conceded per contest while securing 17 clean sheets over 46 appearances in the English Championship last season. Given that Brighton are currently well covered in goal with Bart Verbruggen and Jason Steele, Rushworth's future value is still unclear, as he could either serve as a backup option or be loaned again for upcoming seasons.

JUNE 15 • ROTOWIRE

Yasin Ayari - Bags brace in Tunisia clash Ayari scored two goals to go with two shots (two on target), five crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 5-1 win over Tunisia.

Impact Ayari opened and closed the scoring with two goals from outside the box, benefitting from the opposing goalie coming out too aggressively on the first one, eluding a pair of defenders and slotting it in the empty net, while he rounded out the result late with a precise cross-shot from distance. He pulled the strings in the midfield and paced his team in crosses, albeit with limited precision. He was also credited with a secondary assist for contributing to one of the other goals. He scored three times and provided three assists in 29 matches (20 starts) with Brighton last season.

JUNE 15 • ROTOWIRE

Bart Verbruggen - One save in draw Verbruggen registered one save and allowed two goals in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Japan.

Impact Verbruggen made one save in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Japan, denying Keito Nakamura's deflected effort and then powerless to stop Daichi Kamada's 89th-minute header from Koki Ogawa's corner that deflected up and over him as he adjusted his body in the air, a moment he will reflect on as one where his positioning could perhaps have been sharper. The Brighton goalkeeper conceded two goals from Japan's 10 total attempts in a match where the Netherlands generated 10 attempts and six on target, and was largely untroubled for the majority of the 90 minutes before the late drama unfolded. His shot-stopping ability and composure in one-on-one situations make him a reliable last line of defense for the Netherlands, but improving communication on set-pieces will be the most pressing priority before the next Group F fixture.

JUNE 15 • ROTOWIRE

Jan-Paul van Hecke - Reliable at heart of defense van Hecke had one shot (one on goal) in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Japan.

Impact van Hecke started alongside Virgil van Dijk in the Netherlands' central defensive pairing in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Japan, registering one shot on target from a second-half corner as his side pushed to extend the lead, while contributing one interception and multiple aerial duel wins across 90 minutes against a Japan side that relied heavily on counter-attacks and set-pieces. The Brighton centre-back was composed in his positioning and provided a reliable defensive partnership alongside Van Dijk for the majority of the match, but was unable to prevent the chaos on Daichi Kamada's 89th-minute header that left the entire Dutch backline frozen. His composure on the ball and ability to read dangerous transitions make him a reliable starter for the Netherlands, and improving collective set-piece defending will be the key area to address before the next Group F fixture.

JUNE 15 • ROTOWIRE

Bart Verbruggen - Starting against Japan Verbruggen (hip) is in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Japan.

Impact Verbruggen was back in training this week, so it is no surprise to see the goalie starting in net Sunday. This is a major return for the club as they gain back a major part of their defense, although they do have some quality keepers behind him. He will look to have a solid game in net in a match that could decide the Group F winner, as he has proven to be quality this season, providing 10 clean sheets in 38 appearances with Brighton during the league campaign.

JUNE 14 • ROTOWIRE

Diego Gomez - Two shots in loss Gomez took two shots (off target), committed one foul, and earned a yellow card in Friday's 4-1 loss to the United States.

Impact Although he was unable to register a goal or assist, Gomez was one of Paraguay's most influential players in possession and showed the competitive edge that has made him a key figure for the national team. Paraguay's midfield was under constant pressure, forcing Gomez to spend significant stretches helping defensively rather than creating chances in the attacking third. He'll look to get more involved going forward in Friday's second group stage match versus Turkiye.

JUNE 14 • ROTOWIRE

Ferdi Kadioglu - Three crosses in loss Kadioglu registered one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and five chances created in Sunday's 2-0 loss against Australia.

Impact Kadioglu fired Turkiye's most dangerous chance from open play in the first half with a long-range effort in the 19th minute that missed the target, but his influence faded as Australia settled into the match and grew more confident. He logged the full 90 minutes, further confirming he is fully fit again for Turkiye, though he struggled to build chemistry with Kerem Akturkoglu and Arda Guler in the final third. Coming off a strong campaign with Brighton and entering the World Cup as one of Turkiye's most well-rounded players, Kadioglu will be expected to raise his level over the next two group-stage matches.

JUNE 14 • ROTOWIRE

Bart Verbruggen - Trains in full, set to start Verbruggen (hip) returned to full team training on Friday, confirming his availability for the Netherlands' World Cup opener against Japan on Sunday, according to ESPN NL.

Impact Verbruggen had been day-to-day after bruising his hip during a friendly, raising genuine doubts over his ability to feature from the start. His return to collective sessions puts those concerns firmly to rest, with the Brighton goalkeeper expected to start when the Netherlands begin their World Cup campaign as he remains the No. 1 goalie in front of Mark Flekken and Robin Roefs.

JUNE 13 • ROTOWIRE

Bart Verbruggen - Day-to-day for opener Verbruggen (hip) is day-to-day for Sunday's opener against Japan, according to manager Ronald Koeman, per Brian Owen of The Argus. "It's just a bruise. We don't know yet what that...

Impact Verbruggen is still recovering from a hip injury he suffered in a friendly and is now questionable to make the opener, as the goalie has been labeled day-to-day. This is a major talking point for the team, as he was labeled to be their starter, now potentially missing the opener as a precaution after the bruise to his hip. The club does have a few quality backups that could step into his place, so they are unlikely to sweat the situation too much, with Mark Flekken the likely option to replace him, while Robin Roefs also awaits a chance.

JUNE 10 • ROTOWIRE

Ferdi Kadioglu - Returns to full training Kadioglu (undisclosed) has returned to full training Monday with the Turkiye squad and will be an option for their World Cup opener against Australia on June 13, according to AA Sp...

Impact Kadioglu had missed Saturday's friendly against Venezuela while his fitness was being monitored, but his return to collective sessions is a clean bill of health heading into the tournament. Coach Vincenzo Montella will now have his preferred left-back option available when Turkey's World Cup campaign gets underway.

JUNE 9 • ROTOWIRE

Bart Verbruggen - Taken off injured Verbruggen was taken off the field in the 67th minute of Monday's 2-1 friendly win over Uzbekistan due to an apparent back injury, according to EPSN.NL.

Impact Verbruggen would have to leave the field Monday after a collision kept him down for some time, continuing for 12 minutes before he was finally taken off. He was able to walk off on his own weight after the apparent back injury, although this will be something to monitor. He is slated to be their starter in net, so an injury just six days ahead of their opener against Japan on Sunday is a major concern. The federation will hope for good news after testing, as he could have been taken off as a precaution, with Mark Flekken a likely replacement for the opener if Verbruggen misses out.

JUNE 8 • ROTOWIRE

Ferdi Kadioglu - Misses final friendly Kadioglu (undisclosed) was not on the team sheet for Saturday's 2-1 win over Venezuela.

Impact Kadioglu was not with his teammates Saturday as Turkiye played their final friendly ahead of the World Cup, with the defender still not fit from an undisclosed injury. This is a major concern for the team as they head into the tournament, as he was set to start at left-back. However, they may just be taking a cautious route and not risking him, potentially still an option for the opener.

JUNE 7 • ROTOWIRE

Zadok Yohanna - Completes Brighton switch Yohanna has completed a permanent transfer to Brighton on a five-year deal, the club announced Saturday.

Impact Several clubs were keeping close tabs on the 18-year-old winger, but Brighton won the race and signed him to a deal until the summer of 2031. Yohanna spent the 2025 season in the Swedish Allsvenskan playing for AIK, where he notched five goals and four assists across 18 appearances in all competitions.

JUNE 6 • ROTOWIRE

Ferdi Kadioglu - Targeting return against Venezuela Kadioglu (undisclosed) could also feature against Venezuela as the coaching staff work to have the left-back available in time for Turkey's World Cup opener on June 14, according t...

Impact Kadioglu had been carrying some discomfort that was being monitored by the national team medical staff, and coach Montella's update suggests the situation is improving sufficiently to consider him for minutes against Venezuela. Turkey will be hoping to have their first-choice left-back fully available when the World Cup gets underway.

JUNE 6 • ROTOWIRE

Diego Gomez - Will have key role for Paraguay Gomez will have a prominent role in midfield for Paraguay during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Impact Miguel Almiron and Julio Enciso will be decisive players in the final third for Los Guaranies, but Gomez's intensity and experience in the Premier League will be key in Paraguay's midfield alongside a more defensive-minded player, either Damian Bobadilla or Andres Cubas. Gomez was a regular starter for Brighton in the 2025/26 season, making 26 starts and 32 league appearances while contributing five goals and one assist.

JUNE 5 • ROTOWIRE

Yasin Ayari - Midfield creator for Sweden Ayari has been named in Sweden's World Cup squad and is expected to start in midfield under coach Jon Dahl Tomasson, arriving at the tournament after a solid Premier League campaig...

Impact Ayari contributed three goals and three assists across 29 Premier League appearances this season, delivering a consistent and well-rounded output that underlines his importance to Sweden's midfield structure. His set-piece responsibilities for the national team add a particularly valuable dimension to his role, with his delivery from dead-ball situations a potential match-winning weapon in a tournament where margins are often tight. Beyond his creative contribution, Ayari's ability to arrive late into the box, combine quickly in tight spaces and cover the ground between the lines gives Sweden a dynamic and multi-dimensional presence in the center of the park. His Premier League experience prepares him well for the physical intensity of a major tournament, and manager Jon Dahl Tomasson will be counting on him to influence matches at the critical moments this summer.

JUNE 3 • ROTOWIRE

Ferdi Kadioglu - Discomfort being monitored Kadioglu (undisclosed) is reportedly dealing with some discomfort, with the Turkish national team coaching staff keeping a close eye on his condition, according to coach Vincenzo M...

Impact Kadioglu's situation will be assessed over the coming days before any further clarity emerges on his availability for Turkey's pre-tournament preparations. The left-back is an important figure in Turkey's defensive setup and the coaching staff will be hoping the discomfort proves minor enough to have him fully available when the World Cup gets underway.

JUNE 1 • ROTOWIRE

Adam Webster - Leaving Brighton Webster (knee) will leave Brighton once his current contract expires at the end of June, the club announced Friday.

Impact Webster is leaving the Amex Stadium after seven seasons with the club after he failed to appear in a single game for Brighton in 2025/26 while rehabbing from an ACL injury. The veteran will look for a new club to continue his career over the summer. He last played for Brighton in the 2024/25 campaign, where he racked 14 appearances and 11 starts at the EPL level.

MAY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Bart Verbruggen - Set for starting role at World Cup Verbruggen has been named in Ronald Koeman's squad for the 2026 World Cup, set to experience his first major international tournament as the Netherlands' first-choice goalkeeper.

Impact Verbruggen delivered another solid campaign with Brighton this season, recording 106 saves, 10 clean sheets and conceding 46 goals across his Premier League appearances, continuing to establish himself as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in European football. His shot-stopping ability, commanding presence on his line and impressive distribution with the ball at his feet make him a well-rounded option between the posts, with his composure under pressure particularly notable for a player still in the early stages of his career at the highest level. At international level, Verbruggen heads into the World Cup with the experience and confidence gained from a second full season as a Premier League starter, giving coach Ronald Koeman a reliable and modern goalkeeper capable of contributing to the team's build-up play as well as making crucial saves in key moments. His strong footwork fits perfectly into the Netherlands' possession-based style, allowing the backline to play out from the back with confidence. At just 23, this World Cup represents a defining moment in what promises to be a long and distinguished international career, and the Dutch coaching staff will be counting on him to deliver when the stakes are highest this summer.

MAY 28 • ROTOWIRE

Kaoru Mitoma - Undergoes surgery Mitoma (hamstring) received surgery on his injured hamstring Monday, while Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler commented "The good news is that the procedure was successful and Kaoru...

Impact Mitoma saw his 2025/26 season come to an early end and was also excluded from Japan's World Cup squad due to the issue, from which he's now expected to return at some point in the next campaign. The winger tallied three goals and one assist along with 33 shots (14 on target), 31 chances created and 49 crosses (nine accurate) over 27 appearances (19 starts) in the past year, struggling to stay fit and reach his full potential. Once he's fully recovered, he'll be back in contention with Diego Gomez, Maxim De Cuyper and Yankuba Minteh.

MAY 25 • ROTOWIRE

Bart Verbruggen - Five saves in finale Verbruggen had five saves and allowed three goals in Sunday's 3-0 defeat versus Manchester United.

Impact Verbruggen was the unquestioned started for the season season in a row and finished with his best campaign by far. He kept 10 clean sheets and made 106 saves while playing every minute in the Premier League this season. He allowed only 46 goals in the league despite facing over 150 shots, on the whole a brilliant campaign for the top choice in Brighton.

MAY 25 • ROTOWIRE

Ferdi Kadioglu - Quiet to end campaign Kadioglu had one shot (zero on goal) in Sunday's 3-0 loss against Manchester United.

Impact Kadioglu ended the season with a whimper, scoring only one goal during his season season in England despite playing a huge role. The left-back made 37 appearances and stopped 3,100 minutes, but created only 21 chances. Coming to the side, Kadioglu was expected to be an offensive threat consistently, and that never really materialized in his first full healthy campaign.

MAY 25 • ROTOWIRE

Maxime De Cuyper - Single shot in loss De Cuyper generated one shot (zero on goal), five crosses (three accurate) and three chances created in Sunday's 3-0 defeat versus Manchester United.

Impact De Cuyper's first season in England was passable, he scored twice and added three assists in 30 appearances (17 starts.) He never really managed to make the most of his chances though, and never established himself as the top choice in the team at any position. He alternated between the left wing and left-back, arguably being more productive as a left-back than winger.

MAY 25 • ROTOWIRE

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