Brighton Secure Left Back Signing in £17.3m Transfer from Club Brugge

Maxim De Cuyper Joins Brighton on Five-Year Deal from Club Brugge

Belgian Full-Back Arrives at the Amex

Brighton and Hove Albion have confirmed the signing of left-back Maxim De Cuyper from Club Brugge, continuing their summer recruitment drive with characteristic precision and long-term planning. As reported by Sky Sports, “the deal for the Belgian defender is worth a total of £17.3m (€20m)”, and the 24-year-old has signed a five-year contract until June 2030.

Known for their astute scouting and well-structured acquisitions, Brighton have again looked to continental Europe for talent. De Cuyper joins a defensive unit already strengthened by the arrivals of centre-backs Diego Coppola and Olivier Boscagli, signalling clear intent from the club to deepen options across the backline.

Photo: IMAGO

Profile of a Modern Left-Back

De Cuyper arrives at Brighton with a reputation as a technically sound and forward-thinking full-back. At 24, he is at an age where potential begins to blend with experience, and his development in the Belgian top flight positions him well for the tactical intensity of the Premier League.

A product of Club Brugge’s highly regarded academy system, he gained valuable minutes on loan with Westerlo before becoming a regular with his parent club. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively adds a different dimension to Brighton’s wide play, particularly down the left flank where transition and link-up play are crucial to their system.

The five-year contract reflects Brighton’s belief that De Cuyper is a long-term asset. His versatility and positional intelligence are likely to appeal to manager Fabian Hürzeler, who is looking to implement fresh ideas while building upon the progressive foundations left by Roberto De Zerbi.

Photo: IMAGO

Defensive Depth Reinforced

With the arrivals of Coppola and Boscagli alongside De Cuyper, Brighton now possess greater flexibility across their back four. The club endured an inconsistent defensive record last season, and this summer’s business clearly seeks to rectify that. These signings bring depth, cover, and much-needed competition for starting spots.

What stands out is how Brighton continue to back their recruitment model. They identify players capable of adapting to Premier League tempo while maintaining their core traits; composure in possession, intelligence without the ball, and the ability to handle high pressing situations.

Contract Shows Trust in Development Strategy

De Cuyper’s contract until June 2030 underscores Brighton’s confidence in their long-term project. This is not a short-term plug but a calculated investment. The structure and duration of the deal suggest that De Cuyper is seen as someone who can grow with the club, contributing on and off the pitch as they continue to compete in both domestic and European football.

This signing aligns with Brighton’s continued evolution as a club that develops players into elite professionals. With European commitments likely again this season, squad depth and rotation will be vital.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Brighton fans will be quietly optimistic with this one. While Maxim De Cuyper might not be a household name yet, the club’s track record with scouting and developing talent makes it difficult to question this signing. At 24, he’s not a raw project, but someone ready to make an impact and challenge for a starting position immediately.

Supporters will also welcome the fact that De Cuyper has arrived alongside Coppola and Boscagli, giving the defence a complete facelift. After witnessing defensive frailties last season, particularly when injuries mounted, the new faces bring both stability and optimism.

A five-year deal shows there is a clear development plan for De Cuyper. Brighton fans have learned to trust this model, and if the Belgian settles quickly into life at the Amex, he could prove to be yet another smart acquisition in a long list of well-executed transfers. There’s hope that this trio of defensive signings could form the foundation for a new era under Fabian Hürzeler.