Brighton back Harry Howell as Hurzeler explains Gruda decision

Brighton appear to have made the right call in backing Harry Howell while sanctioning Brajan Gruda’s loan move, with Fabian Hurzeler increasingly encouraged by the teenager’s impact.

The 17-year-old was a surprise starter against Crystal Palace and later came off the bench at Aston Villa, replacing Diego Gomez. In both appearances, Howell showed composure beyond his years.

Against Palace, Howell kept his game simple, recycling possession and maintaining structure. At Villa, however, he showed greater attacking confidence, delivering two dangerous crosses in quick succession.

Hurzeler has been careful to balance praise with perspective.

“I think also against Palace he played a good game,” the Brighton head coach said.

“We shouldn't forget his age in the end. We know what he's capable of doing. He shows that in every training session every day.

“It’s very important that he keeps doing the things he's showing us in training and when he came into the game, he had an impact on the game.”

Howell is expected to feature again on FA Cup night at Anfield, another significant stage in his early development.

Howell’s growing role has coincided with Brajan Gruda’s temporary switch to RB Leipzig. However, Hurzeler rejected the idea that one move was designed to create space for the other.

“Generally, we always try to see the individual positions separate from each other,” he told The Argus.

“We had the feeling that, for Brajan, it was the best to go on loan, to get more game minutes than he might get here.

“And, for Harry, it was the best to stay.”

The approach reflects Brighton’s broader player development model — individual planning rather than blanket decisions.

Howell’s progress is particularly notable after the disappointment of missing out on England’s Under-17 World Cup squad. Rather than seeking a move elsewhere, he remained focused, putting in consistent performances for the under-21s and in the FA Youth Cup.

Interest from clubs including Bayer Leverkusen was understood to be genuine, yet Brighton were unwilling to let him leave.

From following Brighton’s academy pathway in recent seasons, this patience has often paid off. The club are known for integrating young players carefully, avoiding rushed promotions.

Brighton travel to Anfield in the FA Cup, where Howell may again feature as Hurzeler assesses his right-sided options.

If his trajectory continues upward, senior minutes could become more regular before the season concludes.

Should Brighton continue fast-tracking Howell, or ease him into the first team more gradually?