Yasin Ayari has turned Sweden’s opening World Cup statement—two goals in a 5-1 win over Tunisia—into a spotlight that is now following him back into the Premier League transfer conversation. Signed by Brighton from AIK Solna in January 2023 and re-energised un
Yasin Ayari didn’t need a long warm-up at the World Cup. Sweden did it the hard way—two goals early. a 5-1 demolition of Tunisia—and when the spotlight swung toward the Brighton midfielder. it landed on exactly what the elite clubs want to see: a central figure who can work. create. and finish when the game opens.
Ayari’s impact was immediate. He announced himself in this summer’s tournament with two spectacular strikes in Sweden’s opening win over Tunisia, a performance that has put the Netherlands on edge ahead of their second group match against Sweden today.
It’s a big moment for Ayari, but the route here hasn’t been smooth. Brighton signed him from AIK Solna in January 2023. and his early development included two loan spells in the Championship with Coventry and Blackburn—spells that “neither worked out for him.” By summer 2024. it had started to look like his future might be elsewhere.
Then Fabian Hurzeler arrived and changed the trajectory. Brighton hired Hurzeler in 2024 to replace Roberto De Zerbi, and Ayari’s status flipped quickly. He made 63 Premier League appearances in the last two seasons, gaining Hurzeler’s trust almost immediately after expecting to leave that summer.
The numbers help explain why his name is now travelling quickly across Europe’s recruitment departments. In the 2026 World Cup. Ayari has the same number of goals as Kylian Mbappe. Harry Kane and Erling Haaland. and he has already produced two contenders for the best of the tournament. For a player still sharpening his profile as a two-way midfielder, that level of output turns attention into urgency.
Last season’s Premier League picture reinforces the argument that this isn’t just tournament flash. Though he isn’t as eye-catching in duels as Carlos Baleba, Ayari won 102 duels last season—matching Baleba’s total. He also looks comfortable in possession, keeping Brighton ticking in the centre of the pitch.
Data from Wyscout places Ayari strongly among central and defensive midfielders under 24. He was second only to Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch for non-penalty goals, third for expected goals and third for shots last season. He was also named Swedish midfielder of the year for 2025.
There’s another layer to his story that reads louder when the match is happening. Ayari’s father is Tunisian, but Ayari chose to represent Sweden, where he was born. During Sweden’s clash with Tunisia. he was targeted by supporters throughout the game—yet he still produced that “stellar display. ” including both strikes that set the tone for the group.
His mental strength is part of why this feels like more than a one-off rise. Since Hurzeler took over. Ayari has scarcely looked back. and the decision-making behind the scenes has been just as important as the talent on the pitch. When Hurzeler joined two years ago. Ayari was expecting to leave the Seagulls that summer—yet Hurzeler immediately saw what he could offer and made him a key part of the plans from that moment.
The way he fits into games is specific, and it’s already been seen in the World Cup. In Sweden’s opening game. Ayari played on the left of a midfield trio in Graham Potter’s 3-5-2 system. spending most of the match patrolling the left channel. With Jesper Karlstrom the deepest of the three. Ayari was given licence to push forward—and it ended with devastating effect.
That push-and-produce blend is also what scouts compare when they talk about his ceiling. Ayari has similar qualities to Manchester United target Mateus Fernandes of West Ham and Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. even if he is perhaps not yet as dynamic as Fernandes nor as able to dictate the tempo as Wharton. Still, he combines elements of both profiles.
Nottingham Forest were already watching him closely before this burst of international attention. When the club realised they were likely to lose Elliot Anderson this summer. they began making a succession plan. and Ayari was high on that list. Forest submitted a bid for the midfielder in January, but it was swiftly rejected.
Brighton’s stance during that period mattered too. Brighton were pushing for Europe until the final day of the campaign, while Forest were fighting relegation even as they reached the Europa League semi-finals. In other words: Brighton weren’t exactly trading comfort for convenience.
Now, the contract timeline gives the story a sharper edge. Ayari has 12 months remaining on his contract, though Brighton have an option to extend it by a further year. Even with that control still in place, the interest is widening rather than shrinking. AC Milan—seven-time European champions—are watching developments closely. Champions League regulars Atletico Madrid have shown interest as well.
In England, the shortlist feels even more crowded. Liverpool. Chelsea and Arsenal are all keeping an eye on the situation. while Manchester United and Newcastle are monitoring matters too. With plenty of midfield movement expected this summer. Ayari’s performances across the Atlantic only strengthen the case for a potential step up.
For all the praise. there’s still room for growth. and it’s the kind of improvement that professional clubs chase relentlessly. Perhaps he can be a little more adventurous on the ball. In 2025-26. he created 15 chances. which put him only 11th in Brighton’s rankings—though his role does shape that output. He will also want to build his tally of goals and assists. In 75 games for Brighton, Ayari has six goals and four assists. For Sweden, he has five goals and two assists in 22 appearances.
The reason Brighton feel more confident than most is how he works day-to-day. Ayari is described as a football obsessive. someone who watches as many games as possible and stays aware of how his peers are performing. Both Potter and Hurzeler are said to be hugely impressed by his serious approach to the job.
Away from football. there are personal details fans will recognise if they follow the player more closely: Ayari’s partner is Sandra Kulusevska. the sister of Tottenham and Sweden winger Dejan Kulusevski. and the couple are expecting their first child. He also has a younger brother. Taha. who is on the books at AIK and is a left-winger valued at about £1million.
Ayari has already shown he can hurt teams on the biggest stage. The question now isn’t whether he has the talent—it’s whether Brighton can hold onto that talent long enough to enjoy the next chapter. or whether this World Cup momentum pulls the midfielder into a move that clubs like Manchester United. Liverpool and Newcastle have clearly started planning for.
Yasin Ayari Brighton Fabian Hurzeler AIK Solna Sweden vs Tunisia 2026 World Cup Manchester United Liverpool Newcastle Premier League midfield transfers