Second highest spend from all clubs this summer - Why Brighton are suddenly splashing the cash

Brighton couldn't have wished for a stronger start to the Premier League season. After dispatching Everton 3-0 at Goodison Park, the south-coast club beat Manchester United 2-1 at the Amex thanks to a late João Pedro goal. Many felt the club took a risk appointing the youngest manager in Premier League history in 31-year-old Fabian Hürzeler. The German had never even managed in a top five league before. But the early signs are very promising. And the club certainly cannot be accused of not backing their new boss.

Brighton have gained the reputation over the last few years of being one of Europe's best run clubs. Modern. Forward thinking. Innovative. Owner Tony Bloom and chief executive Paul Barber run the club astutely. The club has been exemplary in scouting young talent from far and wide and eventually selling them on for lucrative profits. Moisés Caicedo was brought from Ecuadorian side Independiente Del Valle for an initial €5m (which rose to €28.2 million because of a sell-on fee) and sold to Chelsea for €116m just two years later. Marc Cucurella signed from Getafe for €18m, and was flogged to Chelsea just 12 months after for €65.3m. You can see the pattern. Last summer the club recouped €190m in transfer fees from player sales. However, this summer their approach has changed and Brighton have begun seriously re-investing that cash. So why now? And will the risk pay off?

Brighton's expensive summer - Why the club are now splashing the cash

As you can see in the graphic above, only the free-spending Chelsea have spent more money on transfers from all clubs in world football than Brighton this summer. Their spend has been unprecedented in the club's history, already splashing out €231m on seven new players. Six of the club's all-time record transfers have come from signings this summer with Brazilian Pedro, who was brought in last summer, the only exception. The most expensive deal came for 22-year-old Leeds forward Georginio Rutter, whom the Seagulls paid the Yorkshire club €46.7m for.

Brighton could have the luxury of fielding a realistic XI, with as many as six new signings in the side. Ferdi Kadıoğlu has been the latest major arrival, after signing from Fenerbahce for €30m - he is expected to start at left-back. Mats Wieffer was signed for €32m from Feyenoord and will be play a key role in Brighton's midfield this season - he started their opening day 3-0 win at Everton. Matt O'Riley suffered a nasty injury on his debut in the EFL Cup after signing for €25m from Celtic, but will be hoping to overcome that to earn a place in the Seagulls midfield. Yankuba Minteh has started his time at Brighton looking a real threat at right-wing, following his arrival from Newcastle for €35m. Brajan Gruda was brought in for €31.5m and could start on either wing. And then add Rutter up top.

As you can see above, Brighton's spend this summer dwarves each of the previous four seasons. In fact, quite remarkably, 29.3% of the Seagulls spend in their entire history (€788m) has come this summer (€231m). In contrast, on the second graphic above, you can identify they have only made €34m from selling players this summer, with €26.7m of that figure coming from the sale of Deniz Undav to Stuttgart. Their biggest income from player sales came last summer, with €190m brought in. Converseley, they spent just €110m that season. The previous campaign they made €138m in income and spent just €56m. That equates to the club being +€162m in profit from transfers over the two previous seasons. 

Many clubs when selling a player or a group of players for a large fee (or fees) feel obliged to re-invest that cash straight away. There is often pressure from fans to spend the money made and improve the squad instantly. However, clubs are usually at their most vulnerable during these times, with all other sides knowing they have a lot of cash and are desperate for replacements. This can often therefore drive up the price. Brighton nevertheless have been shrewd to this, and have waited, put that money aside and are now re-investing this summer. When the dust has settled on the money they made, and when plenty of time for forward planning has been allowed.

It's also worth noting that all of Brighton's major signings this summer are aged 24 or younger. With a squad now filled with young talent, a young exciting manager in the dugout, and the club still only having a net spend of -€60m across the last five seasons, the Seagulls appear to be in a very good place. They have shown patience and guile, and have a recruitment model that competes with the very best in Europe. Don't be surprised to see Brighton qualify for Europe this season, and don't be surprised to see them sell some of their young talents for huge fees in the forthcoming years. The long-term model continues to produce.