Brighton sign Bundesliga midfielder Gruda; Osman loaned to Feyenoord for the season
Brajan Gruda joins Brighton from FSV Mainz, as Ibrahim Osman secures Feyenoord loan Credit: None
Brighton and Hove Albion have secured the signing of attacking midfielder Brajan Gruda from German club FSV Mainz.
The 20-year-old has committed to a contract with the Premier League side until June 2028.
Gruda, who made an impact in the Bundesliga last season, is highly regarded by Brighton’s head coach, Fabian Hurzeler.
"I’m really pleased to get the opportunity to work with Brajan. I saw the big impact he made last season in the Bundesliga and he’s a player I admire a lot," Hurzeler commented.
Gruda made his Bundesliga debut for Mainz at just 18 years old in a match against Borussia Dortmund in 2023.
Last season, he featured in 28 Bundesliga games, scoring four goals and providing three assists, playing a role in Mainz’s successful fight against relegation. Gruda, who has represented Germany at various youth levels, including the under-21 team, also brings international experience to his new club.
In a separate move, Brighton’s Ghanaian winger Ibrahim Osman will spend the season on loan at Dutch champions Feyenoord. Osman, who joined Brighton earlier this summer from Nordsjaelland, impressed during pre-season but faces strong competition in Brighton’s wide areas.
David Weir explained the decision to loan out the 20-year-old, saying, "We have strong competition in the wide areas, and the feeling is that it is much better for Ibrahim’s development for him to be playing regular senior football."
Feyenoord, who recently won the Dutch Super Cup and are competing in the Champions League group stages this season, offers Osman a valuable opportunity to gain regular first-team experience.
Last season, Osman made 44 appearances for Nordsjaelland, scoring ten goals and providing eight assists.
