Breaking news. Brighton key player has just signed a deal with Leeds United worth £98.5m few minutes ago

Hurzeler has joined Gus Poyet, Oscar Garcia, Sami Hyypia, Nathan Jones, Chris Hughton, Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi in benefiting from Dunk’s presence in the centre of defence.

At 33, he is in the twilight of a remarkably consistent one-club career, interrupted only by three appearances on loan to Bristol City for two months when he turned 22 during Oscar’s reign in 2013. He has worn the armband with distinction since Bruno Saltor retired from playing in 2019.

Dunk’s return to form against West Ham was accompanied by Solly March’s first start for 18 months after major knee damage. Back on the right wing, it was March’s 296th appearance for the club.

“I love to have players on the pitch who are homegrown or here in this club for a long time, because it’s always a good thing when players understand the club,” said Hurzeler before last month’s 2-1 defeat away to rivals Crystal Palace. “It’s always important to have these players in the team.”How he supported his team-mates, how he stayed positive. He was verbally there with his voice, with his body language,” Hurzeler continued as he sang Dunk’s praises. “It was an impressive performance.”

 

Dunk signed his first professional contract for his home city team 15 years ago today. He made his debut the following day in a 0-0 draw away to Milton Keynes Dons in the third tier. That was the first of 485 appearances under eight managers in three divisions, with the prospect of more to come.The restorative nature of Brighton & Hove Albion’s late comeback win against West Ham highlighted the influence of Lewis Dunk and the folly of writing off the club’s long-serving captain.

 

“The players showed special character, especially my skipper, Lewis Dunk,” said head coach Fabian Hurzeler after vital points in the bid to reach Europe for the second time in three seasons were secured by Kaoru Mitoma’s 89th-minute header and Carlos Baleba’s long-range effort three minutes later in Saturday’s 3-2 victory at the Amex Stadium.