Brighton and Hove Albion’s reputation for meticulous scouting took an unexpected comedic twist this week after Maxim de Cuyper revealed that owner Tony Bloom completely forgot he had signed him. The Belgian defender, who arrived in a €17.75m deal from Club Brugge last summer, told Het Nieuwsblad that the Seagulls’ chairman committed a surprisingly human faux pas — one made even funnier given the extreme level of detail Brighton pour into every transfer.
De Cuyper has become a key figure under Fabian Hürzeler, establishing himself as first-choice at left-back and quickly justifying the fee Brighton paid. Yet his early days in Sussex included one slightly awkward moment: the club’s data-driven owner failed to recognise him at a meet-and-greet for new arrivals. For a club that famously does its homework, it was the last thing the defender expected.
Maxim de Cuyper lifts the lid on Tony Bloom’s mistake
Tony Bloom mistake sits neatly in the heart of the story. De Cuyper recalled the moment with humour, explaining that Bloom misfired during a welcome speech.
“It was players’ night and the chairman was going to give a speech. Bloom welcomed all the new players but forgot about me. He bit the dust. And yet, at that moment, I was the only newcomer actually playing. That same evening, I received a message from him apologising.” — Maxim de Cuyper, via *Het Nieuwsblad*
Rather than taking offence, De Cuyper described Bloom as a “sweet man” with a “genuinely positive attitude”. The episode has been treated more as a running joke at the club than a source of tension — but it certainly caught the attention of Belgian media.
The irony: Brighton’s research is famously exhaustive
Brighton missing any detail is already newsworthy. Missing the fact they had signed a €17.75m defender already starting Premier League matches is almost unthinkable. De Cuyper himself joked about how strange the mix-up was, especially given the club’s famously forensic scouting system.
The Belgian revealed that the Seagulls had prepared a detailed dossier on him, far beyond what he encountered earlier in his career at Union SG.
“‘What do you all know about me?’ I asked on the day I signed. ‘You don’t want to know,’ was the answer. (laughs) It turned out to be a forty-page dossier.” — Maxim de Cuyper
For a club whose entire recruitment model is based on analytics, behavioural profiles and long-term tracking, Bloom’s slip adds an amusing counterpoint. Although some reports paint the owner as caught off guard, other indications suggest this was nothing more than an honest oversight on a chaotic evening rather than a sign of anything deeper.
Inside the dressing room mood
Brighton’s squad reportedly reacted with amusement rather than shock. Having followed the club closely this season, this fits with the culture Hürzeler has built — open, collaborative, and light-hearted when appropriate. Players often mention that senior staff, including Bloom, behave with genuine humility. A minor embarrassment like this becomes an icebreaker rather than an issue.
Stats Snapshot: De Cuyper’s Premier League impact so far
| Stat (2025/26) | Maxim de Cuyper |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 11 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Minutes Played | 526 |
source: sofascore match data – 28 November 2025
For context, De Cuyper’s numbers show why Brighton were so confident in signing him. He plays high-volume minutes under Hürzeler and already contributes in advanced phases — an attacking full-back profile Brighton have been trying to refine since Marc Cucurella’s departure.
Why this story matters more than a funny anecdote
In our view, the anecdote reveals something deeper about Brighton’s internal culture. Because the club’s identity is so closely tied to data-driven precision, stories like this serve as reminders that football remains a human environment — even in a heavily analytics-based club. Although some might interpret the mistake as careless, it is just as likely a sign of how quickly Brighton’s recruitment moves, with new signings sometimes arriving in clusters across multiple positions.
Another nuance worth highlighting: Bloom’s immediate apology suggests a leadership style built on humility rather than distance. Having covered several Brighton players’ interviews over the years, a recurring theme is how approachable senior figures are. This contrasts with perceptions of other Premier League ownership groups, where personal engagement is often minimal.
There is also a tactical angle. Brighton’s investment in De Cuyper made perfect sense given Hürzeler’s preference for full-backs who contribute in possession. The 40-page research file reflects how meticulously Brighton target players who fit their model. Bloom forgetting his face for one night doesn’t change how deeply the club believed he fit the system.
Key Insights
- Maxim de Cuyper revealed Tony Bloom forgot to acknowledge him during a welcome event.
- The moment was especially ironic given Brighton’s famously thorough research protocols.
- De Cuyper discovered the club had compiled a 40-page scouting dossier on him.
- Despite the blunder, he described Bloom as kind, humble and quick to apologise.
- The defender has become a first-choice option under Hürzeler, playing 526 minutes.
What’s Next
Brighton continue their Premier League campaign with De Cuyper firmly part of the starting XI picture. With the Seagulls pushing to stabilise their defensive structure under Hürzeler, the Belgian’s role is set to grow — dossier or no dossier.
👉 Brighton fans — funniest Bloom moment yet, or should an owner always know his own new signing?
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *