Brighton & Hove Albion are gearing up for their first match of the 2024-25 Premier League season against Everton with the signing of Brajan Gruda from Mainz 05. The midfielder, who is just 20 years old, has joined the Seagulls in a deal worth around £25 million and has committed to a four-year contract at the AMEX Stadium.
Gruda, a Germany under-21 international, featured in 28 games for Mainz in the Bundesliga last season and impressed with his skills on the field. With the opportunity to make an impact in the Premier League, he is set to make his debut for Brighton this weekend at Goodison Park.
Head coach Fabian Hurzeler expressed his excitement about working with Gruda and believes in his potential to succeed in English football. In the meantime, Brighton have also triggered the release clause of Leeds United forward Georginio Rutter, offering him a chance to join their squad ahead of the Everton clash.
Rutter, who has attracted interest from various clubs, including Everton, now faces a decision about his future at Elland Road. Should he decide to make the move to Brighton, he would be following the footsteps of his former Leeds teammates who departed earlier in the summer.
As the transfer window deadline approaches, Leeds could retain key player Willy Gnonto amid interest from Everton. The Italian striker has been a target for the Toffees, who had a bid rejected previously. With Rutter’s potential arrival at Brighton looming, the Premier League registration deadline will be a crucial factor in determining his availability for the upcoming match.
