AliousBrighton Beat Premier League Rivals to Sign “Phenomenal” Full-Back Maxim De Cuyper in £20m Deal
Brighton & Hove Albion have pulled off a major coup by landing Belgian full-back Maxim De Cuyper from Club Brugge, fending off interest from a string of top Premier League clubs.
According to *TBR Football*, West Ham United and Crystal Palace were both seriously pursuing the 24-year-old, while Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool also made enquiries. However, it’s Brighton who have secured his signature, completing a £20 million transfer and handing the defender a five-year contract.
West Ham, who have only brought in young Scottish talent Daniel Cummings so far this summer, were keen to bolster their backline, while Crystal Palace’s activity has been limited as they await clarity over their European status. Both clubs will now have to shift focus after missing out on the highly-rated Belgian.
De Cuyper had a standout season for Brugge, playing 54 matches across competitions, registering four goals and seven assists. He was instrumental in Brugge’s run to the Champions League last 16 and earned a place in the Team of the Week during the knockout stages despite a first-leg defeat to Aston Villa.
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler praised the new signing, describing De Cuyper as a technically gifted and versatile left-back with elite-level experience. He highlighted the defender’s creativity, his history of success with Brugge, and the winning mentality he brings to the squad.
De Cuyper has also received high praise from notable figures in Belgian football. Former Anderlecht and Gent coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck previously recommended him to Arsenal, applauding his sharp crossing ability and set-piece delivery, even likening his technique to that of Belgian legend Frank Vercauteren.
With this signing, Brighton have not only added proven European pedigree to their backline but have also outmaneuvered several domestic rivals in what is shaping up to be one of the more impressive moves of the summer window.
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