Yasin Ayari: Brighton's Next Polished Jewel
Brighton have made a habit of turning rough stones into polished jewels. Yasin Ayari might be the next one they sell for a fortune – and Bobby Zamora cannot quite understand why nobody tried to prise him away this summer.
The former Seagulls striker has watched Ayari at close quarters over the past 18 months. What he’s seen has left him baffled by the lack of serious bids after the Swede’s breakout Premier League season and eye-catching World Cup displays.
“He's incredible as well, seeing him for the last year-and-a-half up close and in training and how good he is. I'm actually surprised that nobody came in this summer,” Zamora told GOAL, speaking in association with BetWright Premier League betting.
Ayari’s story fits perfectly into the Brighton model. Signed from AIK in January 2023 for just £3.5 million, he arrived at the Amex as a promising youngster rather than a ready-made star. Brighton sent him out to learn his trade, first at Coventry, then at Blackburn, where he banked the kind of minutes and lessons you simply do not get sitting on a Premier League bench.
That education has paid off. Last season, Ayari forced his way into the Brighton side and stayed there, delivering four goals and three assists in the league. This term he has started quickly again, driving Fabian Hurzeler’s energetic side to third place after five rounds of fixtures.
He does it with the sort of all-action style that instantly catches the eye when you see him in the flesh. Perhaps less so on a spreadsheet. That, Zamora suggests, is why he has slipped under the radar of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
“He's one that sort of goes under the radar, but when you see him work up close and you see him in training, he's got real, real talent. And again, at such a young age. There's only really bright things for that kid,” Zamora said.
“He's an exciting one and one that I think if he continues on the path that he has been this season, yeah, I think somebody will come and try and take him as well.”
Brighton know that pattern well. Moises Caicedo, Carlos Baleba, Marc Cucurella, Alexis Mac Allister – each arrived for modest fees, each left for vast sums. Ayari looks primed to follow that path if his trajectory holds. Leading clubs across Europe are already monitoring his progress, aware that Brighton rarely miss with this type of profile.
The clock is ticking in contractual terms. Ayari is tied to the Amex only until the summer of 2027, though Brighton hold an option to extend by a further 12 months. Talks over a new deal are ongoing, with the club keen to lock down one of their most dynamic assets before the market comes calling.
Head coach Hurzeler is clear about Ayari’s importance, both with and without the ball.
“You always want to solve these things internally first before we go to the public,” the German said when asked about contract efforts. “Generally, what I can say is that Yasin is a great player. He made a great development with us through the last two years.
“He has grown as a player and as a personality. He takes more responsibility. So I'm very pleased. I'm very happy to work with this kind of player. I'm very happy to work especially with him and hopefully he stays for a longer time.”
Hurzeler’s admiration runs deeper than Ayari’s technical qualities. For him, the midfielder embodies the collective standards he wants in his squad.
“Yasin, he has qualities in possession, he has qualities out of possession. He also has grown as a personality. So regarding taking ownership, he can contribute with his effort.
“I think it's very important that we understand that everyone in our squad has a responsibility for our achievements, and everyone is important, and that's what we always try to emphasise. And then express yourself within your personality, within your quality, and that's also what I ask from Yasin.”
The message is clear. Brighton see Ayari as a cornerstone of their present and a potentially huge asset for their future. The rest of Europe has been warned once already. How long can they ignore a midfielder who refuses to stand still?
