Ayto only joined the south-coast club in September having previously spent more than a decade at Arsenal. David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
June 3, 2026 6:40 am EDT Updated
Jason Ayto has left Brighton & Hove Albion after just nine months as sporting director.
Ayto became the club’s first sporting director in September 2025 in a revamp of senior roles. The 41-year-old replaced technical director David Weir, who now holds that position at Strasbourg.
Ayto previously worked at Arsenal for over a decade in a variety of positions, including assistant technical director and interim sporting director.
Brighton chairman Tony Bloom said in a statement on Wednesday: “I’d like to thank Jason for everything he has done for us, and to wish him well for the future.”
Ayto was due to oversee his first summer transfer window, working with Mike Cave on Brighton’s transfer business. Cave was promoted from assistant technical director to technical director when Weir left and Ayto arrived.
Cave will oversee all sporting areas of the club, working with the existing senior team and reporting to chief executive Paul Barber. The summer window opens on June 15.
Ayto left Arsenal last summer after 11 years at the club, having previously worked as a scout, and subsequently the north London club’s chief scout.
The Athletic reported that Ayto had been a strong contender for the permanent position at Arsenal, but former Atletico Madrid executive Andrea Berta was ultimately appointed in the role.
Jun 3, 2026
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