Jason Ayto poised to become Brighton technical director after David Weir departure
Former Arsenal assistant who helped in Martin Zubimendi negotiations is set to replace Weir at Brighton following surprise exit
Brighton and Hove Albion are set to appoint former Arsenal assistant sporting director Jason Ayto as their new technical director after the club confirmed the surprise departure of David Weir.
Ayto, who left Arsenal in May after nearly a decade at the club, is understood to be the candidate Brighton have moved for to succeed Weir. Brighton confirmed on Friday that the 55-year-old Weir, widely credited with playing a central role in the club’s recruitment strategy, would be leaving his technical director post.
At Arsenal Ayto worked under former sporting director Edu and was promoted to interim sporting director after Edu’s departure in November. He rose through the Emirates hierarchy over close to 10 years and was involved in high-profile negotiations, including for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi. Ayto left Arsenal after the club appointed Andrea Berta as Edu’s successor; Berta subsequently took the lead on recruitment and contractual matters.
Sources familiar with the situation said Ayto had been considered for the sporting director role at Newcastle United earlier this year, but Nottingham Forest’s Ross Wilson is expected to be appointed to that position instead. Brighton’s move for Ayto follows Weir’s decision to depart, a development the club announced without disclosing details of any departure arrangements.
Weir, a former Scotland international centre back, has been widely praised for his work overseeing Brighton’s recruitment, which has been lauded across European football. His role has been credited with helping to build squads that have punched above their weight in the Premier League, attracting attention from larger clubs and sporting directors alike.
Brighton’s pursuit of Ayto reflects the club’s continued emphasis on structured recruitment and a data-driven approach to player acquisition. A technical director typically oversees scouting, recruitment strategy, contract negotiations and long-term squad planning — responsibilities that have underpinned Brighton’s recent transfer activity and on-field progress.
Ayto’s tenure at Arsenal coincided with a period of significant recruitment activity; his promotion to interim sporting director followed Edu’s exit and placed him at the centre of negotiations and internal decision-making. His experience negotiating deals and managing recruitment processes is likely to be a key factor in Brighton’s interest.
The club has not announced a formal start date for Ayto, and neither Brighton nor Ayto had issued public statements by the time of publication. Weir’s departure is expected to generate interest in the market for technical directors and sporting directors, given his reputation in recruitment circles.
Brighton’s hierarchy has repeatedly signalled its intent to retain a strong operational structure behind the first team, investing in scouting infrastructure and analytics in recent seasons. The appointment of a successor to Weir will be watched closely by rival clubs and agents, given Brighton’s recent record of developing players and negotiating transfers that have drawn praise for their efficiency and long-term planning.
Further updates are expected as Brighton finalises its appointment and outlines the remit for the new technical director.