Andy Naylor

Additional reporting by Thom Harris and Jeff Rueter When Mahmoud Dahoud was weighing up his options this summer after his release from Borussia Dortmund, he sought the opinion of Rene Maric. The advice from the assistant manager during the midfielder’s penultimate season at the Bundesliga club in 2021-22 was unequivocal — join Brighton & Hove Albion. Maric says: “He asked me which leagues would suit him. I said ‘It’s not about the league — I think you can play in any league. It’s about the club’. “He told me which clubs were interested in him.

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Brighton guarantee goals - at both ends - and there is a jeopardy to their matches that makes them the league's most thrilling side to watch

If there were any fears the Brighton winger wouldn't live up to last season, they appear to be unfounded

Chelsea and Liverpool found themselves competing in the same market for midfielders this summer - and the Londoners came out on top