Brighton Sign Midfielder Brajan Gruda from Mainz for £25m

Brighton have secured the signing of Germany Under-21 international Brajan Gruda from Bundesliga club Mainz in a £25 million transfer deal.

The 20-year-old Gruda has signed a four-year contract with Brighton. Manager Fabian Hurzeler expressed enthusiasm about working with the new acquisition, stating, "I saw the big impact he made last season in the Bundesliga and he's a player I admire a lot."

Gruda made 28 appearances for Mainz in the previous season, contributing to the team's effort to maintain their Bundesliga status. He was also involved in Germany's senior team training sessions ahead of Euro 2024 but had to withdraw due to injury. Gruda had been a target for Bayern Munich before his move to Brighton.

Throughout his career, Gruda has represented Germany at various youth levels, starting from the age of 15. He has accumulated seven caps for the under-21 national team.