Whoever lands up in the Albion hotseat for the upcoming campaign will need to hit the ground running in the transfer market.
Indeed, whilst Head of Recruitment David Burke will no doubt be busy identifying targets for whoever the incoming manager may be, it’s clear that some reinforcements are required if the Seagulls are to match or improve on their 4th place finish last season.
Here I attempt to pick apart the Seagulls’ squad in its current state and work out which key areas are in need of strengthening.
Central Defence: Albion are down to just two first team senior centre-halves, following the return of Matt Upson from his loan, and the expiration of long-serving stalwart Adam El-Abd’s contract.
Ideally, both will find their way back to the Amex next year for another successful campaign with the Seagulls. However, with both winding down their careers, it may be in the club’s interest to look for younger replacements.
Left-back: Wayne Bridge proved an inspired signing last summer, establishing himself as arguably the most capable full-back outside the top flight. Recently-relegated Reading have snapped him up next season, however, so Albion will need to look elsewhere.
Back-up Marcos Painter has also left, but young Latvian international Vitalijs Maksimenko should be waiting in the wings to at least provide occasional cover for a more established left-back.
Central Midfield: Whilst much coveted midfield maestro Liam Bridcutt remains an Albion player *touches wood*, the side is looking pretty threadbare in the engine room, with Dean Hammond and Gary Dicker having departed.
Whilst both players had their strengths, you can’t help but feel the side might benefit from the addition of a couple of more athletic, dynamic midfielders who may be able to contribute a little more going forward.
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