Brighton and Hove Albion are a steady ship under the management of Chris Hughton, but there’s room for improvement at the Amex.
Take charge on the south coast and enjoy a deep squad that has plenty of room for you to make your mark as Brighton manager on Football Manager 2019…
The board’s expectations
The Seagulls comfortably avoided relegation last season with a 15th placed finish and 40 points to their name, and in your first season a repeat of this is your minimum expectation.
The board would also enjoy a cup run in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, where a fifth round and fourth round finish is demanded respectively.
The transfer war chest
Thankfully, the Brighton squad mostly has depth in numbers, as the transfer budget is not there for wholesale changes due to considerable debt.
You are handed just £4.8million and a wage reserve of £46k to play with, so any new faces will have to be made on the cheap.
Three players to buy
Walter Kannemann
Most of the depth in Brighton’s squad comes at the top of the field, leaving the centre-back department in need of reinforcing, and one serious option to consider is Walter Kannemann.
The Argentine is the best bargain centre-back on Football Manager 2019, as the 27-year-old has 15 strength, 14 jumping and 13 pace and makes an excellent defender with 16 tackling, 18 bravery and 16 marking.
Jose Maria Basanta
Other than Kannemann, the only bargain centre-backs that fit within the wage allocation are ageing options.
34-year-old Jose Maria Basanta would still make the ideal addition for a season, maybe two, though, as his transfer will allow you to work towards removing the crippling debt levels at Brighton.
The Monterrey defender is valued at £950k and on a £12,250-a-week wage, but has 16 tackling, 15 marking and 15 heading.
Rasmus Falk
If you want to add to your creative options, and you will in order not to burn out Pascal Gross, 26-year-old Rasmus Falk would be an ideal midfielder to pick up.
The Copenhagen star is capable of playing almost anywhere in midfield with a view to push forwards, highlighted in his 16 dribbling, 15 technique, and 15 vision.
Watch the video below to check out the hilarious things footballers get up to at Christmas…
Three players to sell
Leon Balogun
To add a further £7million to your transfer budget, consider the sale of right wing-back Leon Balogun.
The 29-year-old is behind Martin Montoya for the role, who earns considerably more, making Balogun’s £17,750-a-week wage frivolous spending.
Even though Bruno is 37, the Spanish defender is capable of taking the spot from Montoya when his compatriot needs a rest.
Gaetan Bong
Gaetan Bong’s departure should be signed off as soon as possible.
The 30-year-old is valued at £6.25m and you can rely on the services of 31-year-old Markus Suttner to deputise for Bernardo on the left-flank of defence.
Beram Kayal
Out of the many defensive-minded midfielders in the squad, Beram Kayal is the lowest rated, and you should look to tap into the 30-year-old’s £6million valuation.
Even if there were an outbreak of injuries in the department, defenders Ezequiel Schelotto and Bernardo can step up if required.
Three for the future
Billy Arce
Nineteen-year-old sensation Billy Arce is the most exciting youngster to develop at the Amex.
The left-sided attacking midfielder, also capable of competing for a spot as the striker, can go on to become a top player for the Seagulls once he returns from his loan to Extremadura.
Yves Bissouma
Yves Bissouma is a key member of the first-team when you take charge of Brighton, but the 21-year-old is certainly one for the future, as the midfielder possesses great potential to lead the line.
The Mali international stakes a claim for a starting spot in your XI, and it would be foolish not to hand it to him.
Viktor Gyokeres
When you look to the U23 squad, you will see a handful of players worthy of consideration in cup games and Premier League matches towards the end of the season, but the leading light is Viktor Gyokeres.
The striker must get game time, however, as he is 20-years-old but his base stats are not yet ready to take over from Glenn Murray.