Brighton bolster defence with De Cuyper signing

Brighton have signed Maxim De Cuyper from Club Brugge for an undisclosed fee.

De Cuyper has signed a five-year contract, which will keep him at the Amex Stadium through to June 2030.

Though Brighton did not reveal any details about the deal, they have reportedly paid €20m plus add-ons for the defender.

De Cuyper made 114 appearances for Brugge in all competitions, netting nine goals and registering 22 assists for the club.

37 – Since making his Jupiler Pro League debut in 2022-23, Maxim De Cuyper recorded 37 goals involvements in the competition (15 goals and 22 assists), the third-highest tally among all defenders in the Top 10 European Leagues over that period. Super. pic.twitter.com/Zm17jPJakj

— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) July 5, 2025

His senior debut came against Manchester United in the Europa League as he helped Brugge to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the round of 32 in February 2020.

In 2023-24, he helped Brugge to their 19th Belgian Pro League title, while he also lifted the Belgian Cup last term.

“Maxim arrives having won the league and cup in recent years with Brugge,” said Hurzeler.

“It’s great that despite his young age, he clearly has a winner’s mentality. We’re excited to work with him.

“He 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.”