Former Arsenal executive Jason Ayto leaves Brighton after just nine months as sporting director

Former Arsenal executive Jason Ayto has left Brighton & Hove Albion less than a year after being appointed as the club’s sporting director.

The 41-year-old departs the Amex Stadium after spending only nine months in the role, having been appointed during a restructuring of Brighton’s football operations in September 2025.

Ayto arrived at Brighton with a strong reputation following 11 years at Arsenal, where he held a variety of recruitment and technical positions.

He eventually rose to become assistant sporting director and later served as the club’s interim sporting director following Edu’s departure.

Ayto was considered a leading candidate to take the Arsenal role permanently before they ultimately appointed Andrea Berta as their sporting director.

Brighton moved quickly to bring him in as part of a behind-the-scenes reshuffle.

His appointment came after David Weir left his position at the club to take up a senior role with Strasbourg.

Despite expectations that Ayto would play a major role in shaping Brighton’s long-term football strategy, his time on the south coast has come to an unexpectedly early end.

The departure also means Ayto will not oversee his first summer transfer window at the club.

Brighton had planned for him to work closely with technical director Mike Cave on recruitment and squad planning ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Cave is now expected to take on greater responsibility across the club’s sporting operations.

Brighton confirmed the change in a brief statement on Wednesday.

Chairman Tony Bloom thanked Ayto for his contribution and wished him success in the next stage of his career.

No official reason has been provided for Ayto’s departure.

The timing is notable given the summer transfer window is due to open later this month, with Brighton expected to be active once again after another strong campaign under Fabian Hurzeler.

Ayto’s exit also leaves questions over what his next move could be.

Having built a strong reputation through his work at Arsenal and subsequently Brighton, the former scout is a highly regarded figure within football recruitment circles.