Fabian Hurzeler breaks silence after Danny Welbeck leaves Brighton for Chelsea

Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler has admitted he understands supporters' disappointment following Danny Welbeck's move to Chelsea but believes the transfer will create opportunities for the club's next generation.

Welbeck, Brighton's top scorer last season, is expected to complete his switch to Stamford Bridge, ending a spell in which he became one of the Seagulls' most influential senior figures.

While acknowledging the void the experienced striker leaves behind, Hurzeler remains confident Brighton have the talent to move forward.

Speaking about Welbeck's departure, Hurzeler admitted the reaction from supporters has been echoed inside the club.

"I understand the reaction from fans and we also had the reaction in this club."

However, the Brighton boss believes the success of the decision should be judged over the course of the season rather than the opening weeks.

He insisted young players now have the chance to prove themselves and show they are ready for greater responsibility.

Welbeck's departure could accelerate the development of several attacking prospects already at the club.

Summer signing Charalampos Kostoulas is expected to receive increased opportunities after Brighton invested heavily in the young forward.

Meanwhile, Georginio Rutter has also been used in attacking roles during training, while Stefanos Tzimas is reportedly close to returning to full training after recovering from knee surgery.

Brighton are continuing to monitor potential attacking additions before the transfer window closes, but Hurzeler believes the squad already contains players capable of stepping up.

Welbeck is not the only experienced figure Brighton have lost this summer.

The departures of Jan Paul van Hecke, James Milner, Joel Veltman, Adam Webster, Solly March and coach Andrew Crofts have left Hurzeler looking for new leaders within the dressing room.

Despite that, the German coach sees the changes as an opportunity rather than a setback.

"Of course we will miss these personalities. But I'm quite a positive guy and I see these things more as opportunity."

He believes fresh voices can now emerge as Brighton continue their long-term development under his leadership.

Brighton will continue assessing their attacking options during the remainder of the transfer window while giving opportunities to emerging talent already at the club. Hurzeler is expected to rely on a younger forward line, although further additions cannot be ruled out before the deadline.