Brighton vs Wycombe pre-season 2025 began with fireworks, as Danny Welbeck fired in four goals to kick off the Seagulls’ summer with a 6-1 win in Lancing.
With Joao Pedro gone to Chelsea in a £60m deal, all eyes were on who might step up in the striker role — and Welbeck delivered emphatically. The 34-year-old rolled back the years with a ruthless first-half display that left League One Wycombe shell-shocked.
New boss Fabian Hürzeler will be thrilled with what he saw. The movement, intensity and sharpness were clear, especially in the first half as Brighton fielded a strong XI including Yankuba Minteh, Georginio Rutter and Kaoru Mitoma.
Welbeck Rolls Back the Years with Four-Goal Blitz
“He’s looked electric in training — this just confirmed it,” said one Brighton staff member after the game. — Club Source
Welbeck’s first came from a clever Mitoma cut-back. His second, a driven strike from the edge of the box. Two more followed — a header from a set-piece and a calm finish after a defensive mix-up.
He was subbed at half-time to a standing ovation from the few hundred in attendance at Lancing.
New Signings Impress – and Others Return
Olivier Boscagli looked composed alongside Lewis Dunk at centre-back, while James Milner made a welcome return after an injury-hit season, playing 30 solid minutes.
Carl Rushworth was preferred in goal with Bart Verbruggen recovering from a minor knock.
Second-Half Sees More Youth and More Goals
The second half featured a younger XI, including:
- Jeremy Sarmiento
- Facundo Buonanotte
- Igor Julio
- Andy Moran
- Erin Cashin
Facundo Buonanotte and Charlie Tasker added further gloss to the scoreline in the second half, sealing a confidence-boosting start to Hürzeler’s reign.
Brighton vs Wycombe Match Stats
| Match Stat | Brighton | Wycombe |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 6 | 1 |
| Welbeck Goals (First Half) | 4 | – |
| Shots on Target | 10 | 2 |
| Possession % | 65 | 35 |
| New Signings Started | 2 | 0 |
Analyst Verdict
Brighton’s performance wasn’t just about fitness — it was about intent. Danny Welbeck’s form is a massive early boost, especially with no like-for-like replacement for Joao Pedro signed yet. If Welbeck stays fit, Hürzeler may already have his answer.
Key Insights
- Welbeck scored four in first 45 minutes
- Pedro exit could unlock major role for Welbeck
- Boscagli and Milner both impressed on return
- Youngsters Buonanotte and Tasker added goals
- Hürzeler era begins with a statement win
What’s Next for Brighton?
The Seagulls will now face West Brom behind closed doors before heading to the USA for their Premier League Summer Series fixtures. Hürzeler is expected to rotate more in the next match.
Should Brighton stick with Welbeck as their No.9 — or sign someone new?
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