Brighton have completed the signing of Jaouen Hadjam from Swiss champions Young Boys, strengthening their options at left-back ahead of the new campaign.
The Algeria international arrives in a deal understood to be worth around £10 million, with Brighton moving quickly to secure a player they believe can add another dimension to their defensive setup.
At just 23, Hadjam already brings valuable experience from European football and is viewed as a strong competitor for a starting role.
His arrival will increase the competition alongside Maxim De Cuyper and Ferdi Kadioglu, giving Brighton greater depth on the left side of defence.
Hadjam’s profile appears to fit the modern demands of Brighton’s football.
The left-back is known for his pace and willingness to attack, while his technical ability allows him to contribute further up the pitch rather than simply focusing on defensive duties.
That combination is particularly attractive to Brighton, who have increasingly built their recruitment strategy around technically gifted and tactically adaptable players.
Brighton sporting director Mike Cave believes Hadjam can make an immediate impact.
“We believe Jaouen will be a great addition to the group, adding to our already strong options in defence.
“He is a modern left-back known for his pace, attacking output and technical abilities, which fits our style of play well.
“He has proven himself to be a versatile player in Switzerland and we are looking forward to working with him.”
Hadjam’s arrival is unlikely to guarantee him an automatic starting position.
Instead, Brighton now have three strong options competing for the left-back role, creating the kind of internal competition that can raise standards across the squad.
For Hadjam, that competition also represents an opportunity.
A move to the Premier League offers the 23-year-old a chance to test himself against some of Europe’s best attackers while continuing his development at a club known for giving opportunities to emerging talent.
His versatility could prove particularly useful over a long season, with Brighton expected to navigate domestic fixtures alongside their wider commitments.
The move represents another significant step in the career of the Algeria international.
After establishing himself in Switzerland with Young Boys, Hadjam now has the opportunity to make his mark on English football.
Brighton will hope his pace, attacking instincts and technical quality translate quickly to the Premier League.
With De Cuyper and Kadioglu already providing competition, Hadjam will need to hit the ground running if he wants to claim the position as his own.
But Brighton’s decision to invest around £10m in the defender underlines their belief that he has the tools to become an important part of the squad.
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