AliousBrighton Complete £17.3m Deal for Belgian Full-Back Maxim De Cuyper in Major Defensive Boost
Brighton & Hove Albion have officially confirmed the signing of highly rated left-back Maxim De Cuyper in a deal valued at £17.3 million.
The 24-year-old has penned a five-year contract that will keep him at the Amex Stadium until June 2030, as the club continues to reinforce its defensive ranks ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.
De Cuyper, who emerged through Belgium’s top-flight system, brings with him a balanced blend of technical quality, experience, and positional intelligence.
A progressive and modern full-back, he excels in both attacking support and defensive duties, fitting seamlessly into Brighton’s high-tempo, possession-based approach.
His development has been shaped through consistent first-team football, including a productive loan spell earlier in his career that helped him mature into a reliable left-sided defender.
Brighton’s summer recruitment has taken shape quickly, with the arrivals of centre-backs Diego Coppola and Olivier Boscagli complementing De Cuyper’s addition.
This trio forms a significant overhaul of the defensive setup, aimed at addressing the inconsistency and vulnerability the team faced last season—particularly during injury spells.
Manager Fabian Hürzeler appears to be reshaping the squad with a long-term vision in mind, building on the platform left by his predecessor, Roberto De Zerbi. The club’s confidence in De Cuyper is evident in the length and structure of his deal.
It’s a strategic acquisition designed not only for immediate impact but also for sustained contribution over several seasons, as Brighton aim to compete domestically and in European competitions.
De Cuyper’s arrival aligns with Brighton’s well-regarded recruitment philosophy—prioritising players who are tactically flexible, intelligent in possession, and capable of adapting to the demanding pace of English football.
At 24, he’s well positioned to hit the ground running while still having room to develop further under a progressive coaching setup.
From a broader perspective, Brighton supporters can take heart in the club’s proactive moves in the transfer market.
While De Cuyper may not yet be a widely known name in the Premier League, the club’s history of turning under-the-radar talents into elite performers gives fans reason for optimism.
Alongside Coppola and Boscagli, his signing could mark the beginning of a new defensive era at the Amex—one built on depth, resilience, and long-term ambition.
Alious
