Joao Pedro’s Brighton future in doubt after discipline issues and strong squad depth

Brighton face a big decision on Joao Pedro as squad depth rises and discipline concerns mount.

Joao Pedro of Brighton & Hove Albion arrives at the stadium ahead of the Premier League match at Gtech Community Stadium on April 19, 2025, in Brentford, England. Photo by Andrew Kearns/Getty Images

By Adila Ghina and Randy Ahmad

Brighton & Hove Albion ended their Premier League campaign with a resounding 4-1 victory over newly-crowned Europa League winners Tottenham Hotspur, capping off a positive first season under new head coach Fabian Hurzeler. However, the absence of Brazilian forward Joao Pedro in that triumph—and the circumstances surrounding his recent omissions—have sparked serious questions about his Brighton future.

Joao Pedro’s name has been notably missing from the squad sheets in Brighton’s final two fixtures, including their dramatic 3-2 home victory over title-winners Liverpool and the season-closing win at Tottenham. While the team flourished in his absence, speculation grew over why their top scorer was sidelined. The answer, it turns out, lies in a training ground altercation with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke, as revealed by The Athletic.

This disciplinary issue has placed Joao Pedro under the spotlight, with growing debate over whether Brighton are prepared to tolerate such volatility—especially when the squad has shown resilience and attacking strength without him.

Internal fallout after clash with Van Hecke

Joao Pedro’s recent troubles began in the lead-up to Brighton’s penultimate away game of the season, a 2-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The incident with Van Hecke occurred just after Pedro returned from a three-match suspension for violent conduct, following a reckless red card in a 4-2 loss to Brentford. That dismissal came at a critical juncture, with Brighton chasing a European qualification spot and over 30 minutes left to play. The timing and nature of the offence drew criticism from both teammates and Hurzeler.

While Hurzeler downplayed the altercation with Van Hecke in his pre-match press conference, referring to it as a “small issue” that was “dealt with internally,” the manager’s actions told a different story. Pedro was dropped from the squad entirely for the last two games—a significant move considering the stakes and Brighton's need for goals.

Brighton thriving without their top scorer

What makes Joao Pedro’s exclusion more striking is how well Brighton performed in his absence. Hurzeler's tactical decisions worked wonders at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where Jack Hinshelwood and Brajan Gruda were used as twin false nines. Hinshelwood, who had come off the bench to score a late winner against Liverpool, netted two more goals—both from corners—showcasing his clinical instincts and tactical intelligence.

Further illustrating Brighton’s attacking depth, Matt O’Riley converted a penalty as third-choice taker, while January signing Diego Gomez marked his debut goal with a stunning 25-yard strike in stoppage time. With regular forwards Danny Welbeck and Georginio Rutter sidelined by injuries, and loan players Julio Enciso and Evan Ferguson absent, the performance hinted at a squad capable of coping without its primary striker.

Discipline and team culture under Hurzeler

Hurzeler has placed significant emphasis on team unity and discipline since arriving at Brighton. His decisions to exclude both Pedro and previously, Enciso—who was loaned out in January for attitude concerns—underline his strict adherence to team-first principles.

Pedro’s temperament has raised flags before. In addition to the Brentford incident and the altercation with Van Hecke, his passionate playing style has at times teetered on the edge of recklessness. The head coach’s insistence on “non-negotiable” principles, and his swift disciplinary action, suggest Pedro’s future is far from guaranteed.

Brighton’s transfer model and timing

Brighton are renowned for their data-driven recruitment strategy, which prioritizes not only the identification and development of talent but also knowing when to sell. Joao Pedro, signed from Watford for £30 million two years ago, still has three years left on his contract. However, with transfer interest expected this summer, the club may see this as the right time to cash in—especially if suitors are willing to double their initial investment.

A hypothetical £60 million offer would be difficult to ignore. Brighton would likely reinvest in a younger prospect, aligning with their successful model that has seen them profit from players like Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo, and Alexis Mac Allister.

The on-pitch value of Joao Pedro

Despite his off-field issues, Joao Pedro’s value on the pitch is hard to dismiss. Over the past two seasons, he has scored 30 of Brighton’s 157 goals in all competitions, with a personal average of one goal every 2.3 games. He also contributed 10 assists, giving him a goal involvement roughly every 1.75 matches.

Crucially, Pedro is also Brighton’s go-to penalty taker, converting 15 of his 16 spot-kick attempts. Even his lone miss turned into a goal, as he scored on the rebound against Aston Villa. His ability to win penalties—nine in total—adds further weight to his overall contribution.

Versatility is another asset. Pedro can operate as a traditional No. 9, but often drops deeper or drifts wide to link play, functioning effectively as a roaming No. 10. His combination of technical skill, positional intelligence, and unpredictability makes him a nightmare for defenders.

The dilemma: keep or sell?

The question for Brighton is not just about Pedro’s talent but whether his temperament fits within Hurzeler’s vision. Losing Pedro would mean replacing nearly 20% of the team’s total goals, a task that can’t be taken lightly.

The club has already taken steps to bolster its forward options. In January, Brighton signed 19-year-old Stefanos Tzimas from Greek side PAOK and immediately loaned him to Nurnberg in Germany. While Tzimas is viewed as a long-term prospect, Brighton may need a more immediate solution if Pedro leaves.

The possibility of a summer sale is very real, especially given Brighton’s financial discipline and strategic reinvestment approach. However, letting go of a proven Premier League scorer at 23—still with growth potential—comes with risk.

What next for Brighton and Joao Pedro?

The coming weeks will be critical in determining Joao Pedro’s Brighton future. Much depends on how Hurzeler and the club assess his value both on and off the pitch. If Brighton believe his goals and versatility outweigh the disciplinary risks, they may offer a clean slate. But if they feel his presence threatens the collective harmony Hurzeler is building, a sale seems inevitable.

With Pedro’s profile and Premier League output, interested clubs across Europe and within England will surely come calling. For Brighton, the decision will be part of a larger puzzle: how to continue punching above their weight in one of the most competitive leagues in the world while staying true to a philosophy built on discipline, strategy, and unity.

As things stand, the balance seems to be tipping towards a parting of ways. Whether Joao Pedro’s next chapter lies away from the Amex will soon become clear, but one thing is certain—Brighton won’t hesitate to make a bold decision if it’s in the club’s long-term interest.

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