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Brighton verdict on more signings after Pascal Gross swoop

Pascal Gross was the key addition for early January <i>(Image: Richard Parkes)</i>
Pascal Gross was the key addition for early January (Image: Richard Parkes)
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Pascal Gross was the key piece of business for Albion in this transfer window.

But they remain open to any further additions before the mid-season market closes.

Gross’s return as the window opened appears to have had a hugely beneficial impact on and off the pitch.

They are unbeaten in three games since he arrived from Dortmund going into Monday's visit from Bournemouth.

Head coach Fabian Hurzeler and all players asked about Gross in media interviews have spoken glowingly about his contribution around the training ground.

Major additions are not expected between now and the deadline on February 2, although the club will remain alert to possibilities.

Albion deputy chairman and chief executive Paul Barber told The Argus: “Obviously getting Pascal done early was really important.

“That was something we wanted to do, not just because it was good for us, good for Pascal, but given the games programme, and January is a long month on the back of the Christmas programme, just to have his presence, his authority, his experience, his communication skills, his morale-boosting skills, that was important to get done early.

“And as we said, as we always generally know, we don't intend to do much more significant work.

“Where opportunities exist, we'll obviously explore them.

“There will be one or two going out but Pascal was the main one we wanted to bring in.”

Asked if that suggested little incoming business over the next fortnight, Barber added: “It's not our favourite time to trade.

“Players in this particular window tend to be premium price.

“Not many clubs are willing to let players go in January, so it does limit what you can do.

“But, where opportunities exist, if they are the right ones for us and they help Fabian and they boost the quality of the squad that we've already got, which we think is good. then obviously we'll see what we can do.

“But with players coming back, we are in quite a good position.

“Losing (Stefanos) Tzimas (to injury) was disappointing and frustrating for the player but also for us as well.

Brajan Gruda impressed at Old Trafford (Image: Richard Parkes)

“But Danny (Welbeck) is in good form, Brajan Gruda played superbly at Manchester United.

“You have only got to look at what all of the front players have been doing and they are all contributing in different ways.

“And obviously with Pascal back as well, we have got that extra option given his versatility.

“Georginio (Rutter) is beginning to get back to his best form as well, (Kaoru) Mitoma is coming back into it, playing more minutes.

“There's a lot of options up front, a lot of options in midfield and obviously at the back, we are very fortunate to have the depth that we've got with the centre-backs and the full-backs.”

This month has also seen Albion announce record losses of £54.4 million for the 2024-25 season.

While that number did not include major sales such as Joao Pedro, and the picture for the current season is expected to be rather different, it was still a reminder that resources have to be carefully managed.

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