Adam MacDonald from Seagulls Central analyses Lewis Dunk's future with Brighton and Hove Albion.Dunk has been the heart of the Seagulls’ defence for over a decade. Since making his debut in 2010, the Brighton-born centre-back has led the club from the Championship into the Premier League, helped secure European qualification, and captained the squad to its highest-ever finishes.Dunk, now 33, is entering the 2025/26 Premier League season still wearing the armband, but there are questions among Brighton fans about how long he can remain a first choice player in Fabian Hürzeler’s high-line defensive system.With Brighton competing in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup this season, defensive pace is crucial in Hürzeler's ideal system. Dunk’s experience, leadership, and aerial dominance are excellent, but his declining speed has raised concerns when facing top-flight forwards from clubs like Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United. In a high-press style, quick recovery runs are vital - something Brighton’s recruitment has clearly targeted.The arrival of Italy under-21s international Diego Coppola from Hellas Verona and PSV Eindhoven defender Olivier Boscagli shows Brighton are future-proofing their defence. Alongside Jan Paul van Hecke, these new signings could form the next-generation backline, with Dunk offering mentorship, tactical organisation, and big-match know-how. Fans searching for “Brighton new defenders 2025”, “Lewis Dunk vs Coppola”, or “Boscagli Brighton debut” will be tracking how this transition unfolds.Brighton’s 2025/26 squad is strong across the pitch. In midfield, Carlos Baleba, Diego Gomez, and Yasin Ayari provide energy and creativity. On the wings, Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh remain key threats in the Premier League and potentially in the Europa League if Brighton qualify again. Up front, Greek forwards Charalampos Kostoulas and Stefanos Tzimas add depth alongside teenage talent Tommy Watson, replacing the goals lost after João Pedro’s move to Chelsea.Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen will be crucial in building from the back, fitting perfectly into Hürzeler’s tactical style. Brighton fans searching “Brighton 2025/26 tactics” and “Brighton highlights” will want to see how the Seagulls adapt this season.Dunk’s future may not be as an automatic starter every week, but as a club legend, leader, and symbol of Brighton’s rise from the lower leagues to established Premier League contenders, his influence is still as important as ever.