Brighton have rewarded head coach Fabian Hurzeler with a new long-term contract after an impressive campaign which has the Seagulls on the cusp of qualifying for a European competition.
Six wins in their last nine matches has catapulted Brighton into the frame for a top-seven finish in the Premier League as they trail Brentford in seventh by a point and Bournemouth in sixth by two points.
Hurzeler found himself under increasing pressure following a difficult period in the middle of the season as they won just one of 14 league fixtures, but the German tactician has managed to reinvigorate Brighton's season as they look to equal their best-ever finish of sixth in the Premier League.
With 12 months to run on his previous deal, the Seagulls hierarchy have moved to secure Hurzeler's long-term future by agreeing a new contract.
Hurzeler became the youngest manager appointed to a permanent Premier League post when he was named Roberto De Zerbi's successor in June 2024.
Eyebrows were raised at the appointment due to his age, despite Hurzeler overseeing an impressive stint in charge of German side St. Pauli where he transformed the Hamburg-based outfit from relegation candidates to 2. Bundesliga title winners in the space of 18 months.
Hurzeler led Brighton to an eighth-placed finish during his first season at the Amex Stadium, but the club missed out on European qualification due to their rivals Crystal Palace winning the FA Cup.
The Seagulls climbed as high as fifth in the Premier League at the end of November, but won just one of their next 14 - a 2-0 win over struggling Burnley on 3rd January - as scrutiny over Hurzeler's position began to grow.
Back-to-back successes over Brentford and Nottingham Forest helped to alleviate the pressure on the 33-year-old, and a turnaround in form has been aided by the inconsistencies of mid-table teams to climb into European contention.
Brighton have a generous conclusion to the campaign as they face basement side Wolves in East Sussex before travelling to Elland Road to face Leeds United, whose Premier League status might be preserved by the time the two collide.
Hurzeler's outfit then host Manchester United on the final day, with the Red Devils already securing UEFA Champions League football for next season.
