SOCCER: Brighton head coach Huerzeler agrees contract extension until 2029

LONDON — Brighton & Hove Albion have moved to secure the future of head coach Fabian Hürzeler by agreeing a contract extension that will keep the German manager at the club until June 2029.

The 33-year-old, the youngest head coach in the Premier League, joined Brighton from St. Pauli in 2024 and made an immediate impact, guiding the team to an impressive eighth-place finish in his debut season.

Brighton are currently in a strong position again this campaign, sitting eighth with three matches remaining. They are just two points behind sixth-placed Bournemouth and remain firmly in the race for European qualification.

Since his arrival, Hürzeler has been widely praised for implementing a clear playing identity and maintaining consistent performances. Club chairman Tony Bloom highlighted the manager’s influence on the team’s development and overall progress.

“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,” Bloom said. “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.”

Hürzeler’s rapid rise has strengthened his reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young coaches, sparking speculation he could attract interest from other clubs in the summer transfer window.

However, the new deal signals his commitment to Brighton’s long-term project.

“I absolutely love working for this club and living in the city, and I am delighted to have agreed a new contract,” Hürzeler said. “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.”

Brighton will next face Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend as they continue their push for a place in European competition next season. -Reporting by Martyn HermanEditing by Toby Davis/Reuters