According to a joint report by TA team reporters Andy Naylor and James McNicholas, Brighton is close to appointing Jason Aitto as sporting director. Aitto is expected to take up the post next week, replacing technical director David Weir, who left last Friday.

David Weir has been Brighton's technical director since May 2022, replacing Dan Ashworth. His performance has been highly recognized by the club. However, in order to promote the implementation of "Vision 2030", Brighton ultimately decided to hire a younger manager with a background in data and analytics.

Regarding Will's departure, Brighton manager Fabian Huerzeler said: "The club has made a decision. We are very grateful for his work and it has been a pleasure to work with him. He is an excellent person and we wish him all the best in the future. We now need to refocus on football and minimize external interference."

According to Paul Barber, Brighton's CEO and vice-chairman, the core of Vision 2030 is to further improve the club's overall performance over the next five years, with the men's team aiming to be in the top ten of the Premier League. Other plans include the construction of a new women's football stadium and the appointment of Mark Loch as the club's first chief technology officer.

Aitor, 40, has been at Arsenal since 2014, having held various roles including scout, chief scout and executive assistant to the director. During his tenure, he assisted Edu in securing key signings such as Kai Havertz and Ulrion Timber.

With Edu's departure and transfer to Nottingham Forest, Aitor was promoted to acting sporting director in November 2024. TA understands that Aitor was once a strong contender for the Arsenal sporting director position, but the position was eventually taken over by former Atletico Madrid executive Andrea Berta.

In July this year, Aitor was on the shortlist for Newcastle United's sporting director after leaving Arsenal. Although he ultimately failed to join Newcastle, he is still regarded as a managerial talent with great potential.