Four out-of-contract Brighton stars who can leave for free this summer - including £25m-rated ace

Brighton have developed a reputation for being shrewd operators in the transfer market in recent seasons. Their data analysis and recruitment model has become the envy of many of their Premier League rivals as they continue to find and develop young talent.

It has helped Brighton progress to one of the most attractive teams in the top flight as Roberto De Zerbi’s men sit sixth in the Premier league and victory at lowly Bournemouth tonight would further enhance their quest for European qualification.

Brighton have made very few slip-ups in the transfer market of late but this summer they do have key decisions to make on four of their top talents whose contracts all expire at the end of the season. Three of the players have performed regularly in De Zerbi’s first team this campaign, while the fourth is a highly-regarded Brighton born talent who is impressing on loan in League One.

Here are the four Albion men who are out of contract this summer – including a £25m rated ace.

Jan Paul van Hecke: The Netherlands under-21 international has progressed well under De Zerbi and has performed well when called upon. It is believed Brighton have the option of a further year but as yet the defender's situation remains unclear for next season. Could feature more next term if Colwill heads back to Chelsea.

Haydon Roberts: The 20-year-old defender has impressed on loan at Derby and has been a regular for the League One club. Difficult to see him breaking into the first team at Albion next season and the club will have to decide if a new deal and another loan - perhaps to a Championship club - or to let him leave for good.

Levi Colwill: Not a Brighton player as such but the Chelsea loan defender has been a key man in De Zerbi's defensive set-up. Probably played more minutes than expected because of injuries to Webster and proved more than capable at the highest level. Looks a real talent and a likely England international of the future. Brighton should buy him if they can. £25m could get the deal done.

Joel Veltman: What a bargain. The Netherlands international has been excellent since his £900k move from Ajax in 2020. Rarely puts a foot wrong and can play in a variety of positions across the back. De Zerbi recently said he wants to keep him and it has been reported that the 31-year-old does have an option to extend for a further year.