Brighton & Hove Albion have bolstered their defensive ranks with the signing of Belgian left-back Maxim De Cuyper from Club Brugge for a reported £17.5 million (€20 million) plus add-ons. The 24-year-old, who has signed a five-year contract until June 2030, is set to join the Seagulls for pre-season training this weekend, marking an exciting addition to Fabian Hurzeler’s squad.
De Cuyper, a product of Club Brugge’s esteemed academy, has established himself as one of Europe’s most creative full-backs. Last season, he made 54 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing seven assists, while helping Brugge reach the Champions League last 16. His versatility, set-piece prowess, and attacking flair have drawn comparisons to modern full-backs thriving in the Premier League.
Brighton’s head coach, Fabian Hurzeler, praised the new signing’s credentials and mentality. “Maxim is a creative left-back who has great experience at Champions League level as well as in the domestic league,” Hurzeler said. “He arrives having won the league and cup in recent years with Brugge, so it’s great that despite his young age, he clearly has a winner’s mentality. We’re excited to work with him.”
The Belgian international, capped 10 times with three goals for his country, has been on Brighton’s radar for some time, fending off interest from clubs like Roma, AC Milan, and Atalanta. De Cuyper’s decision to join Brighton reflects the club’s growing reputation for nurturing talent from the Belgian Pro League, following in the footsteps of players like Leandro Trossard.
De Cuyper’s statistical output is particularly eye-catching. Over the past five seasons, he has been among Europe’s most productive defenders, with 15 goals and 22 assists in 114 appearances for Brugge since his senior debut in 2020 against Manchester United in the Europa League. His ability to create chances from open play and set pieces—over a third of his chances last season came from corners and free-kicks—adds a new dimension to Brighton’s backline.
“Maxim has a great reputation for creativity and has shown his ability across different positions, although we primarily see him challenging for a left-back spot with us,” Hurzeler added, highlighting De Cuyper’s potential to compete with Pervis Estupinan for a starting role.
Brighton’s recruitment strategy continues to focus on young, versatile players with European experience. De Cuyper’s arrival, alongside other summer signings like Coppola and Boscagli, signals the club’s intent to strengthen their squad depth for domestic and potential European campaigns.
Fans have taken to social media to express their excitement, with one post describing De Cuyper as “an exciting Belgian wing-back” who could become a “cult hero” at the Amex Stadium. Another noted the transfer’s significance, stating, “Brighton have snapped up a gem for £17.3m, beating out top Serie A clubs.”
De Cuyper’s move comes after a standout 2024/25 season, where he was named to a Champions League Team of the Week despite Brugge’s 3-1 loss to Aston Villa. His ability to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity will be closely watched, but Brighton’s track record of integrating Belgian talent bodes well for his prospects.