Revealed: Joao Pedro Training Clash with Van Hecke Behind Shock Brighton Omission vs Liverpool

Inside the incident that rocked the Seagulls ahead of their thrilling 3-2 win over Jurgen Klopp’s Reds

There are plenty of reasons a player might miss a Premier League fixture: injury, illness, tactical decisions, or even personal emergencies. But when Brighton striker Joao Pedro was left out of the matchday squad for their dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Liverpool, the official line from head coach Fabian Hürzeler—“personal reasons”—raised a few eyebrows.

Now, it appears that wasn’t the full story.

According to a report from The Athletic, Pedro’s absence was not due to any private matter away from the pitch, but rather the fallout from a training ground altercation with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke in the days leading up to the club’s penultimate Premier League game of the season. The clash reportedly occurred before their match against Wolves on May 10 and continued to cast a shadow over preparations for the Liverpool tie.

Tensions boil over on the training ground

Joao Pedro Brighton 2024-25

While the full details of the incident remain under wraps, sources close to the club describe a “heated exchange” between Pedro and Van Hecke during a training session that escalated beyond the usual intensity of competitive drills. Training ground spats are not uncommon in top-level football—emotion runs high, and competitive edges can spill over. But in this case, the disagreement appears to have crossed a line, resulting in disciplinary consequences for Pedro.

Brighton are known for keeping internal matters quiet, especially under the calm stewardship of Hürzeler, who prefers to handle player issues behind closed doors. However, with Pedro left out of a match as high-profile as the one against Liverpool—and with “personal reasons” not satisfying curious fans—the truth was bound to leak.

Pedro’s mixed season under scrutiny

Fabian Hurzeler Brighton 2024

The incident comes at a sensitive time for Joao Pedro. Signed from Watford in the summer of 2023 for a then club-record £30 million, the Brazilian forward arrived at the Amex Stadium with big expectations and plenty of excitement. His pace, flair, and potential to grow into a Premier League star made him a marquee signing for a Brighton side pushing to cement their place among England’s top eight clubs.

So far, his return of 10 goals this season in all competitions is respectable, though not headline-grabbing. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, inconsistency has frustrated sections of the Seagulls faithful. In recent weeks, that frustration has grown louder, with supporters questioning his impact during key fixtures. The bust-up with Van Hecke, a well-liked and hard-working member of the squad, may not help his popularity either.

Could this be the beginning of the end?

Rumours had already begun circulating about a possible summer exit for Pedro, with clubs in Europe and even the Saudi Pro League reportedly monitoring the forward’s situation. This latest incident may serve to accelerate those discussions—both within the club and in the wider transfer market.

With Brighton not expected to feature in European competition next season unless they secure a final-day win and results elsewhere go their way, there’s growing speculation that the club may look to cash in on their investment. Pedro, 23, is still young and under contract until 2028, meaning the Seagulls would expect a hefty fee if they chose to sell.

Yet the bigger question may be whether Pedro himself sees his long-term future at Brighton after such a turbulent first campaign. A breakdown in relationships inside the dressing room, even if temporary, can often be the first sign that player and club are no longer aligned in vision or ambition.

Hürzeler caught in the middle

For Fabian Hürzeler, this is an early test of his man-management credentials. The young German coach, who has impressed with his tactical acumen since taking over mid-season, now finds himself navigating a delicate internal matter while trying to guide his team to a strong finish.

After the Liverpool win, which saw Brighton overturn a two-goal deficit to stun Klopp’s side, Hürzeler was asked about Pedro’s absence. He stuck to the script: “Personal reasons.” Whether that was to protect the player, the squad dynamics, or the club’s public image is up for debate. But internally, the incident will not have been brushed off so lightly.

Hürzeler will know that maintaining squad harmony is key—especially with European qualification still a mathematical possibility. Brighton currently sit eighth in the Premier League, and a win against Tottenham on Sunday could keep the Europa Conference League dream alive. The last thing they need is a public fallout between two key players.

A club at a crossroads

Brighton’s rise over the past three seasons has been one of the most impressive stories in English football. Under Graham Potter and then Roberto De Zerbi, they built a reputation for playing attractive football, nurturing talent, and punching well above their weight. This season has seen some ups and downs, particularly in the post-De Zerbi era, but their ambition remains clear.

What happens next with Joao Pedro will be telling. Do Brighton double down on their investment and back him to develop into the star they hoped for? Or do they see this as an opportunity to reset and bring in fresh talent with the funds he could command?

Either way, a training ground spat like this, just days before a major fixture, forces a club to ask uncomfortable questions. About leadership. About squad discipline. And about whether the players they’ve pinned their hopes on are truly ready for the demands of top-tier football.

What next for Pedro—and Brighton?

For now, Pedro’s focus must return to football. Brighton face Spurs in their final game of the season this weekend, and while there’s been no confirmation as to whether the Brazilian will be reintegrated into the matchday squad, he’ll certainly want to finish the campaign on a more positive note.

Whether that’s enough to rebuild bridges or simply add a finishing chapter to his time at the Amex remains to be seen. What is certain is that this story will rumble on into the summer transfer window—especially if interest from abroad materializes into concrete offers.

As for Van Hecke, he has kept his head down and continued training as normal. Club sources suggest the Dutch defender holds no grudge and is keen to move past the incident. But for Brighton, the priority now is to ensure that tensions don’t simmer further and derail what could still be a promising end to a challenging season.

In a club built on togetherness, moments like this serve as a stark reminder: harmony off the pitch can be just as important as brilliance on it.