Brighton are ‘challenging establishment’ – but how good can it get?

When Brighton signed Danny Welbeck on a free transfer in October 2020, it had the look of a panic signing.

But four years on, the former England striker, who turns 34 on 26 November, has made the best start to a season of his career, with six goals in the first nine matches.

He has already scored more goals than the five he managed in 29 league appearances last season, while one more will see him become the club’s joint record goalscorer in the Premier League alongside Pascal Gross.

Brighton have also been boosted by the recent return of Joao Pedro.

The Brazilian has wasted no time in getting up to speed for the Seagulls, scoring twice and making two assists in his first two appearances since recovering from an ankle injury.

However, it isn’t only Welbeck and Pedro that Brighton are relying on. The club have had 11 goalscorers this season – more than any other Premier League team.

The club’s latest hidden gem is midfielder Carlos Baleba, who joined Brighton for £26m in the summer of 2023 aged 19.

The signing – just a fortnight after Caicedo’s British record £115m Chelsea transfer – certainly raised a few eyebrows, having played just 21 times in Ligue 1 for Lille.

He has become a key man this season, despite Saturday’s harsh red card, ranking fourth for possession won (7.2) and fifth for interceptions (2.1) per 90, for players who have played more than 10 Premier League matches this season,