Viktor Gyökeres: The Striker’s Journey from Brighton to Arsenal
When we talk about young football talents, Brighton & Hove Albion usually gets it right. Players like Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, Joao Pedro, Ben White, and Alexis Mac Allister have collectively fetched around £300 million in transfer fees over the last four years. However, one name that stands out in a different way is Viktor Gyökeres. He was sold to Coventry City for a modest £1 million in 2021 and has since transformed himself into a player worth £20 million at Sporting CP and a remarkable £63.5 million when Arsenal signed him. This journey has seen him achieve accolades, including winning the Gerd Müller Trophy for scoring the most goals in the year 2025.
As Arsenal gears up to face Brighton in the Carabao Cup, it’s intriguing to note that Gyökeres once wore the Seagulls’ colors. But why didn’t he establish himself there?
Brighton’s chief executive, Paul Barber, once remarked, “We knew there was a top talent there.” Yet, despite this recognition, Gyökeres left Brighton after only eight first-team appearances, without playing a single game in the Premier League and registering just one goal. He did have success in the youth ranks, being a part of the Brighton U23 side that earned promotion to the Premier League 2 in 2018. His teammates included notable players like goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and defender Ben White.
One major reason for Gyökeres’ struggle at Brighton was his playing position; he was primarily a winger, often playing off the left. As Josh Kerr, his former teammate, explained, “He could play through the middle but he kind of played off the left.” At the time, Brighton had standout players like Aaron Connolly, who excelled as a striker in a 4-3-3 formation. Consequently, Gyökeres had to adapt, playing on the left while occasionally featuring in the center-forward role.
This adaptability didn’t mean he wasn’t talented. Kerr noted, “We obviously rated him highly but didn’t expect him to kick on as much as he has.” Over time, Brighton saw improvements in Gyökeres’ game, and his natural tendency to drift inwards aimed at goal became evident. This knack for making runs from the left side became a signature style for him, especially during his better days at Sporting and now at Arsenal.
What stands out about Gyökeres is not just his goal-scoring ability but his work ethic. Kerr recalls that he would always track back and help the full-backs, something managers appreciate. Gyökeres was seen as a team player who contributed selflessly. Despite facing a seven-game stretch without scoring for Arsenal, his teammates and manager Mikel Arteta lauded his relentless work for the team.
During his time at Brighton, Gyökeres finally had opportunities in the center-forward position. He made three starts in the Carabao Cup during the 2020-21 season. He scored and assisted in a match against Portsmouth but didn’t find consistent first-team play afterward. As Kerr pointed out, Brighton was focused on survival during that season, which limited opportunities for younger players like Gyökeres.
Loans to Swansea City and Coventry City became pivotal in Gyökeres’ career. They allowed him to gain vital first-team experience. While his time in Wales didn’t set his career ablaze, he developed further at Coventry, eventually leading to a permanent move, marking a turning point. His journey culminated in him scoring prolifically and becoming known for his unique celebrations at Coventry.
Today, Gyökeres reflects fondly on his time at Brighton. In an interesting incident, when Kerr was on agent work in Slovenia, Gyökeres readily provided him with tickets to a World Cup qualifier, demonstrating his humility and respect for those from his past.
So, does Brighton regret letting Gyökeres go? Paul Barber answered thoughtfully, saying, “It depends on whether you say slipped through or progressed through. It’s great to see young talents flourish and move on to better things.”
The journey of Viktor Gyökeres serves as a reminder that timing and opportunity are crucial in football. Arsenal fans can only look forward to what this talented striker will achieve next.
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Original Text – https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12040/13455075/viktor-gyokeres-why-did-the-arsenal-striker-not-make-it-at-brighton-during-the-early-part-of-his-career