Brighton in European trip to learn from the best – Seagulls improvement non-stop

Brighton attended a three-day academy summit at Sporting CP to study their youth development model alongside PSG, Atlético Madrid, Atalanta and 26 other clubs.

Brighton were among more than 30 European clubs invited to Sporting CP for an 'Academy Visit' co-organised with the European Football Club (EFC). Over three days, the Portuguese club opened its academy to showcase the methods behind its renowned talent factory, which has produced Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Figo, Rafa Leão, João Palhinha and Nuno Mendes.

The sessions focused on Sporting's 'Player-Centered Model', including scouting processes and behind-the-scenes operations. Sporting president Frederico Varandas opened the event, and attendees including Atlético Madrid academy director Natanael Cano praised the experience. Cano said: "It's an enriching experience. There is a clear sense of passion here, alongside a very well-defined development process."

Brighton have built a reputation for identifying and developing young talent—Moisés Caicedo was sold for €116m and Carlos Baleba for €75.9m—and the visit reflects their commitment to learning from Europe's best academies.