Key Highlights
- Fabian Hurzeler praises Pascal Gross ahead of his return to Brighton.
- Brighton agree a deal to re-sign Gross for just under €2 million (£1.74m, US$2.35m).
- Gross is expected to score goals and create chances on his return to the club.
- The transfer is scheduled to be finalized before games against Manchester City and United in the FA Cup.
Transfer News: Pascal Gross Returns to Brighton
Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler has expressed his excitement about the return of German international Pascal Gross, who is set to re-sign with the club for a transfer fee just under €2 million (£1.74m, US$2.35m).
Return of a Familiar Face
Horzeler took charge at Brighton in June 2024, which was a few weeks before Gross left to join Borussia Dortmund. Speaking ahead of Saturday’s home game against Burnley, Hurzeler highlighted his admiration for the player.
“I definitely like him as a player,” Hurzeler said. “When he was gone I had contact with him, because he knew us. We tried to keep him here, but he wanted to follow his dream.
We respected that and, of course, you continue to follow the players that have done great things with the club.”
For Gross, who scored 32 goals and provided 52 assists in 261 games across seven seasons at Dortmund, this return is a chance to reignite his career. The 34-year-old played primarily in central midfield but was also used as a No. 10, right-back, left-back, and on either wing.
Continuity and Quality
“He is a quality player,” Hurzeler added. “He has a big impact on scoring goals and creating chances, but it’s also important to emphasise that although he was gone we had good replacements. We missed a quality player, but in the end we were able to replace him with young players.”
Brighton hopes to finalize the deal prior to successive games against Manchester City in the league next Wednesday and at United in the third round of the FA Cup four days later.
Preparation for Matches
Yankuba Minteh is on course to be available against Burnley after a scan revealed nothing worse than a dead leg sustained by the winger in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw at West Ham. Meanwhile, Mats Wieffer remains out for the second match in succession with a toe injury.
The transfer of Gross back to Brighton marks an important move for both players and fans, as his experience and goals will be crucial for the team’s upcoming fixtures.
