Brighton Move to Tie Down Rising Star Yasin Ayari After Arsenal Rout
Brighton head into the international break on the back of a stunning 3-0 win over reigning Premier League champions Arsenal, with Yasin Ayari’s rise continuing to attract attention as the club work to secure his long-term future.
Brighton seek new Ayari agreement
Ayari’s current deal runs until the summer of 2027, although Brighton hold an option to extend it by a further 12 months. The Seagulls are attempting to reach an improved agreement with the Sweden international as interest builds across Europe.
The midfielder joined Brighton from AIK in January 2023 for £3.5 million, or around $5 million. Loan spells at Coventry City and Blackburn Rovers helped prepare him for his first-team breakthrough at the Amex.
- Signed from AIK in January 2023 for £3.5m.
- Spent development loans with Coventry and Blackburn.
- Recorded four goals and three assists in the previous Premier League campaign.
- Brighton sit third after five league matches this season.
- Ayari has also featured for Sweden at the 2026 World Cup.
Zamora surprised by quiet summer
Former Brighton striker Bobby Zamora believes Ayari was overlooked during the 2026 summer window despite his domestic form and World Cup displays.
Zamora said he had watched the 22-year-old closely over the past year and a half, in matches and training, and felt it was surprising that no club made a move. He described Ayari as a player who can escape wider attention despite possessing outstanding ability at a young age.
The ex-Seagulls forward expects that to change if Ayari sustains his current level. He said the midfielder’s progress points towards a future approach from a major club.
Brighton have made substantial transfer profits in recent years through deals involving Moises Caicedo, Carlos Baleba, Marc Cucurella and Alexis Mac Allister. Ayari could become the next elite asset developed and sold by the south-coast club, with leading European sides monitoring him.
Hurzeler wants midfielder to stay
Head coach Fabian Hurzeler has made clear that Brighton want to resolve Ayari’s contract situation privately before discussing details publicly.
Hurzeler praised the player’s development during his two years at the club, highlighting greater maturity, leadership and willingness to take responsibility. He said Ayari offers value both with and without the ball, while his work rate and personality have become increasingly important within the squad.
The Brighton boss added that every member of his group must contribute to the team’s results, with Ayari encouraged to use his own strengths and character within that collective framework.
What happens next
Brighton are back in European competition this season through the Conference League and are aiming to ensure continental football remains part of their plans in 2027-28, either by lifting the trophy or through their Premier League finish.
The emphatic Arsenal result has strengthened their early league position ahead of the next assignment: an away trip to Sunderland on October 10.
