Brighton have secured Maxim De Cuyper from Club Brugge, with the player committing to a five-year contract until June 2030. Although the transfer fee remains undisclosed, reports suggest Brighton paid 20 million plus add-ons for the defender. De Cuyper's impressive record at Brugge includes 114 appearances, nine goals, and 22 assists.
Since debuting in the Jupiler Pro League in 2022-23, De Cuyper has been involved in 37 goals, scoring 15 and assisting 22. This achievement ranks him third among defenders in Europe's top ten leagues during this period. His versatility and creativity have earned him a strong reputation.

De Cuyper made his senior debut against Manchester United during a Europa League match in February 2020, helping Brugge secure a 1-1 draw. In the 2023-24 season, he played a crucial role as Brugge clinched their 19th Belgian Pro League title and also lifted the Belgian Cup last season.
Hurzeler expressed enthusiasm about De Cuyper's arrival at Brighton, highlighting his winning mentality despite his youth. "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."
Brighton sees De Cuyper primarily competing for a left-back position due to his adaptability across various roles on the field. His creative skills are expected to enhance Brighton's defensive line-up significantly as they look forward to integrating him into their squad.
De Cuyper's move to Brighton marks an exciting chapter for both the player and the club. With his proven track record of success and versatility on the field, he is poised to make a significant impact at Amex Stadium over the coming years.