Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler signs new long-term contract after mounting interest from the Bundesliga

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has signed a new three-year deal that will keep him at the Amex Stadium until summer 2029.

The 33-year-old's previous contract was set to run until 2027, but owner Tony Bloom moved swiftly to tie down the highly rated coach amid mounting interest from elsewhere.

German top-flight clubs had been monitoring Hurzeler closely, with Bayer Leverkusen understood to be particularly keen on luring him back to the Bundesliga.

When Hurzeler arrived from St Pauli in the summer of 2024, aged just 31, he made history as the youngest permanent head coach in Premier League history.

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Speaking after signing the new deal, Hurzeler said: "I absolutely love working for this club and living in the city, and I am delighted to have agreed a new contract.

"To have this long-term commitment from the club is an honour and one which only reinforces my desire to succeed in delivering on our shared long-term vision.

"From the beginning, our focus has always been on forging an identity, developing the team, challenging the establishment and pushing our standards every day.

"I'm proud of what we have done so far, and even more excited about what is still to come."

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In early February, a section of Brighton supporters were demanding his dismissal following a 1-0 defeat at home to local rivals Crystal Palace.

Since that low point, the Seagulls have transformed their season with six wins from nine matches.

That impressive run has propelled Brighton into eighth position in the Premier League table with three fixtures remaining.

The club now find themselves firmly in contention for European qualification, with bouncing atmospheres at home games reflecting a strengthening bond between Hurzeler and the fanbase.

Chairman Bloom praised the head coach, saying: "Since his appointment, Fabian has continued the progress the club has made in recent seasons with consistent on-pitch performances, and he has developed a clear playing identity.

"This season, he has built on the foundations laid during his first season, in which he led us to an impressive eighth place.

"During his time as head coach, the team has shown resilience, intensity and control. With three games to play, we are pushing for a strong finish.

"Fabian's principles and approach align with our values as a club, and we're delighted to have agreed this new extended contract; it reflects our commitment to a shared long-term vision."

Deputy chairman and chief executive Paul Barber echoed those sentiments, describing Hurzeler as "an exceptional coach with a very bright future".

He said: "We are delighted that he will be here with us in the short, medium and longer term. Fabian is hugely respected by staff and players across the club and across the wider game.

"His work is underpinned by a clear vision, work ethic and strategy.

"It's a pleasure to work alongside him, and our focus now will be to give him all we can to help him succeed as we plan for a bright future."

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