Brighton's most expensive signings of all time [ranked]

Brighton & Hove Albion have been smart operators in the transfer market in recent years, with the club opting to scour South America and the lower leagues of Europe to sign incredibly gifted talents for low fees.

Tony Bloom, owner of Brighton, is also the founder of a very secretive gambling company after a successful career playing professional poker.

As such, Bloom's data models have been heralded as some of the most sophisticated in the Premier League.

But Brighton's secret sauce is the people at the club and their ability to nurture young raw talent into world-class players.

Brighton's talent development has been nothing short of miraculous, and today we take a look at the most expensive signings in Brighton & Hove Albion's history.

10. José Izquierdo

• Position: Left Winger
• Age: 25
• Nationality: Colombia
• Season: 17/18
• From: Club Brugge KV (Belgium Jupiler Pro League)
• Transfer Fee: €18 million

José Izquierdo joined Brighton from Club Brugge KV for €18 million. The Colombian winger was known for his pace and dribbling skills, which he showcased during his time in Belgium. Izquierdo brought creativity and flair to Brighton's attack, contributing important goals during his tenure. Izquierdo left Brighton & Hove Albion in 2021 on a free transfer, where he returned to Club Brugge.

9. Marc Cucurella

• Position: Left-Back
• Age: 23
• Nationality: Spain
• Season: 21/22
• From: Getafe CF (Spain LaLiga)
• Transfer Fee: €18 million

Marc Cucurella transferred to Brighton from Getafe CF for €18 million. The Spanish left-back quickly became a key player for Brighton with his defensive solidity and ability to contribute to attacks. Cucurella's performances earned him a move to Chelsea for €65.3 million after impressing in the Premier League.

8. Ibrahim Osman

• Position: Left Winger
• Age: 19
• Nationality: Ghana
• Season: 24/25
• From: FC Nordsjaelland (Denmark Superliga)
• Transfer Fee: €19.5 million

Ibrahim Osman will join Brighton from FC Nordsjaelland for €19.5 million in July 2024. The Ghanaian winger, known for his pace and agility, is expected to add depth and dynamism to Brighton's attacking options. Osman's potential makes him an exciting prospect for the future.

7. Bart Verbruggen

• Position: Goalkeeper
• Age: 20
• Nationality: Netherlands
• Season: 23/24
• From: RSC Anderlecht (Belgium Jupiler Pro League)
• Transfer Fee: €20 million

Bart Verbruggen, a promising Dutch goalkeeper, transferred to Brighton from RSC Anderlecht for €20 million. Known for his shot-stopping ability and composure, Verbruggen is seen as a long-term solution for Brighton's goalkeeping position, bringing stability and potential to the squad.

6. Adam Webster

• Position: Centre-Back
• Age: 24
• Nationality: England
• Season: 19/20
• From: Bristol City (England Championship)
• Transfer Fee: €22.22 million

Adam Webster joined Brighton from Bristol City for €22.22 million. The English centre-back's strong defensive skills and aerial ability have made him a key figure in Brighton's defence. Webster's consistency and leadership at the back have been crucial for the team's solidity.

5. Alireza Jahanbakhsh

• Position: Right Winger
• Age: 24
• Nationality: Iran
• Season: 18/19
• From: AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands Eredivisie)
• Transfer Fee: €22.5 million

Alireza Jahanbakhsh transferred to Brighton from AZ Alkmaar for €22.5 million. The Iranian winger brought flair and creativity to Brighton's attack, known for his dribbling and goal-scoring ability. Jahanbakhsh's time at Brighton saw moments of brilliance, including a memorable bicycle kick goal. Jahanbakhsh left Brighton to return to the Netherlands, joining Feyenoord for €1 million during the Covid-hit season.

4. Enock Mwepu

• Position: Central Midfield
• Age: 23
• Nationality: Zambia
• Season: 21/22
• From: Red Bull Salzburg (Austria Bundesliga)
• Transfer Fee: €23 million

Enock Mwepu joined Brighton from Red Bull Salzburg for €23 million. The Zambian midfielder, nicknamed "The Computer" for his intelligence and vision on the pitch, added dynamism and energy to Brighton's midfield. Mwepu's box-to-box endeavours were a valuable asset for the South East Coast-based club, before he officially retired in 2022 after a series of injury setbacks.

3. Carlos Baleba

• Position: Defensive Midfield
• Age: 19
• Nationality: Cameroon
• Season: 23/24
• From: LOSC Lille (France Ligue 1)
• Transfer Fee: €27 million

Carlos Baleba transferred to Brighton from LOSC Lille for €27 million. The young Cameroonian defensive midfielder is known for his physicality and tactical awareness. Baleba's signing is seen as a significant investment in Brighton's future, aiming to strengthen their midfield after the departures of Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister.

2. Moisés Caicedo

• Position: Defensive Midfield
• Age: 19
• Nationality: Ecuador
• Season: 20/21
• From: Independiente del Valle (Ecuador Serie A Segunda Etapa)
• Transfer Fee: €28.2 million

Moisés Caicedo joined Brighton from Independiente del Valle for €28.2 million. The Ecuadorian midfielder quickly adapted to the Premier League, showcasing his defensive prowess and passing ability. Caicedo's performances made him one of the most promising young talents in the league, and was sold to Chelsea for an eye-watering €116 million.

1. João Pedro

• Position: Centre-Forward
• Age: 21
• Nationality: Brazil
• Season: 23/24
• From: Watford FC (England Championship)
• Transfer Fee: €34.2 million

João Pedro became Brighton's most expensive signing when he transferred from Watford FC for €34.2 million. The Brazilian centre-forward is known for his technical skills and goal-scoring ability. João Pedro is expected to play a crucial role in Brighton's attacking line-up for years to come, bringing flair and a scoring threat to the Premier League.

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