Brighton have confirmed Fabian Hurzeler’s squad will travel to France for a pre-season training camp as they prepare for a heavier 2026/27 schedule.
Brighton announced that the men’s first team will head to France at the end of July. The club said the camp will help prepare the squad for the Premier League season and their Europa Conference League play-off matches.
Albion will play two behind-closed-doors friendlies during the trip. Brighton confirmed those games will be against Annecy on 25 July and Strasbourg on 1 August.
The matches will not be shown live, but the club said highlights and post-match content will be available on their website.
Hurzeler Gets Early European Preparation
The timing is useful for Hurzeler.
Brighton have already planned a demanding summer. Read Brighton has covered how Roma and Bologna will visit the Amex in August, giving Albion further tests before the season starts.
Annecy should offer a rhythm-building fixture in the middle of the camp. Strasbourg should provide a stronger Ligue 1-level test a week later.
The France block also gives Brighton a more controlled setting before the pressure increases. Hurzeler needs to build cohesion, not just fitness.
New defensive signings, returning World Cup players and younger squad options all need minutes before the Premier League opener against Aston Villa on 23 August.
The camp should also help Albion work on the possession structure and counter-pressing details they will need in Europe. After a summer of squad movement, this is where Hurzeler starts turning plans into patterns.
