Any fans of Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club know that the Seagulls had quite a lot to celebrate in 2023. Finishing sixth in the Premier League, Brighton FC joined the European circuit for the first time. Its top lawyer, Lloyd Thomas, has been with the club on what has been a transformational year for the South Coast squad.
In terms of the big-name hires, Thomas has led on some of the biggest player transfers and loan deals of the season. This includes Ecuadorian midfielder Moisés Caicedo, who was sold to Chelsea for a record UK transfer fee of £115m, as well as a loan deal for Barcelona’s Ansu Fati. Movement has not been isolated to the pitch, with Thomas further responsible for negotiating chunky contracts with third parties, including long-term sponsor American Express and a first-time deal with British Airways.
As well as being prepared for the club’s shift into the Europa League, Thomas is also keeping on top of changes that could impact how the football sector is governed. The proposed introduction of an independent football regulator and planned changes to agents’ rules means clubs must be ready to comply with regulatory shifts in the works. Now officially a European elite club, the focus will be on the Albion more than ever.