Pascal Groß

Pascal Groß remained a regular Premier League starter for Brighton in 2025-26, making 19 appearances and starting 18. His return of one goal points to a deeper, control-based midfield role rather than a primary attacking brief, while two FA Cup appearances and one World Cup qualifier added to a workload built around experience and selection trust.

Groß's career path has been built on gradual progression rather than early elite movement. The recorded route runs from 1899 Hoffenheim II to Karlsruher, Ingolstadt 04, Brighton and Borussia Dortmund, before a return to Brighton at 34. The trajectory suggests a player who rose through German football, established Premier League value at Brighton, then had a late-career move to a higher-profile Bundesliga club.

The transfer record shows two early free transfers, followed by paid moves as Groß's level rose: €3.0m from Ingolstadt 04 to Brighton in 2017, €6.0m from Brighton to Borussia Dortmund in 2024, then €1.8m back to Brighton in January 2026. The reduced return fee points to age and contract value rather than a lack of pedigree, with Brighton buying back a known, experienced midfielder.