Brighton Set to Part Ways with Pascal Gross for Dortmund Move

Brighton & Hove Albion is preparing to part ways with midfielder Pascal Gross, having reached an agreement with Borussia Dortmund for an initial transfer fee of £5.9 million (€7 million). Gross, who has been with Brighton since their promotion to the Premier League in 2017, is entering the final year of his contract. Despite the club's efforts to secure his future with a new deal and the recent appointment of German manager Fabian Hürzeler, Gross is reportedly eager to return to Germany, especially after receiving his first senior national team call-up last year. The 33-year-old midfielder has made a significant impact at Brighton, featuring in 261 matches and earning the title of player of the season in May. Brighton's chief executive, Paul Barber, acknowledged Gross's contributions, stating, “Pascal has been a fantastic servant to this club,” while also recognizing the potential opportunity that a move to Dortmund could present for him. In addition to Gross's impending departure, Brighton may face challenges in retaining midfielder Billy Gilmour, as Napoli's manager Antonio Conte is reportedly interested in acquiring the Scotland international. An initial bid of £8 million was rejected, with Napoli expected to submit a £10 million offer soon. Elsewhere in the transfer market, Southampton has finalized the signing of Ben Brereton Díaz from Villarreal, with manager Russell Martin expressing enthusiasm about the player's abilities. Bournemouth has also made a move, securing Spain Under-21 defender Dean Huijsen from Juventus for a reported fee of €15 million (£12.6 million).