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When Seagulls fans aren’t posting angry messages on forums and highlighting some of Fabian Hürzeler’s potential flaws, it can be easy to forget how far the club has come. From being on the brink of oblivion to competing in the biggest football league, Brighton has won plenty of admirers. Some fans reside in America, with the Premier League’s global reach resulting in an increasing amount of international Seagulls.
While giants like Manchester United and Liverpool are two of the most-followed clubs in the States, a survey by Morning Consult has found that Brighton also cut despite their relatively short time in the top flight, alongside watching the NFL playoffs and assessing any Super Bowl odds before having a flutter, plus taking in the baseball and the end-to-end action in the NBA, American fans are finding the time to watch the likes of João Pedro and Kaoru Mitoma.
As the findings below suggest, Brighton’s overall growth is evident. So, with that in mind, below is a look at the Morning Consult’s findings and where Brighton is on the list. It’s worth noting that supporters across the pond were asked if they had a “favorable” or “slightly favorable” opinion of each of the 20 Premier League clubs.
Brighton, among the likes of Bournemouth and Brentford
Although Brighton is last in the table, it’s still a remarkable rise for a club that hasn’t been in the Premier League for long. While clubs like Bournemouth sit above the Seagulls on 30%, their American owners probably play a huge part in that. Brighton, though, has Tony Bloom fronting things at the club, with his name probably being unknown in the States. Despite this, though, the club has still achieved 28% popularity among American fans, undoubtedly due to the team’s entertaining style and the array of significant results the Seagulls have managed to pull off in recent years.
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Alongside Brighton and Bournemouth are Brentford (31%), Wolves (32%), and Nottingham Forest (32%).
Fulham and Crystal Palace are ahead of the Seagulls
Brighton fans won’t enjoy reading this particular result, although it makes a lot of sense given Palace’s American input. Likewise, Fulham is in a similar position due to American-based businessman Shahid Khan’s club ownership. In the survey, Fulham has 34%, and Palace are on 38%, with both clubs having a presence in America. Everton is also in the pack, with 36% to their name. Now the Friedkin Group is in place at the Toffees, though, and with seemingly big plans to execute, Everton could reach more American fans.
Also featured alongside Fulham, Crystal Palace, and Everton is Aston Villa, which is at 36%.
Leicester City have 40% to their name
The following teams on the list include Leicester City and Newcastle United, with both clubs having 40% and 45%, respectively. Undoubtedly due to Leicester’s 2015–16 Premier League triumph and Newcastle’s overall size as a club, both teams have impacted American audiences. Clubs like West Ham and Tottenham achieved similar results, with the Hammers managing 41% and Spurs and their NFL input helping them hit 44%.
FSG-owned Liverpool tops the rankings
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When it comes to the behemoths of English football, Liverpool are the clear winners. Arne Slot’s side has a considerable fanbase in America, with 61% backing that up. Meanwhile, Manchester United achieved 60%, Manchester City 59%, Chelsea 57%, and Arsenal 54%. All five clubs have made giant strides in the States, with friendly competitions enabling American fans to watch their heroes in the flesh.