Brighton have signed Promise David from Union St. Gilloise on a season-long loan, with a reported £22m obligation to buy attached to the deal. The 25-year-old arrives after scoring 41 goals and providing nine assists in 82 appearances for the Belgian club since joining in 2024. He also played in four of Canada's five World Cup matches as a substitute and scored against Switzerland.

Cave backs Brighton's new striker

Brighton sporting director Mike Cave made clear why the club moved for him. "Promise is someone we have been watching for some time, he is an out-and-out striker who possesses outstanding physical attributes and a track record of scoring goals," Cave told BBC Sport.

That profile fits the numbers. David's 41 goals are the main attraction, but the nine assists point to a forward who has done more than finish moves off. Brighton are also leaning on his international and European experience, with Cave saying, "His experience at international level and in European competition will hopefully prove valuable this season."

Cave added that, "At 25, he's entering his prime playing years and we're excited to see him continue to develop in our environment." That is the kind of signing Brighton usually like to make early, before a player becomes far more expensive and far more crowded in the market.

The numbers behind the move

The fee structure makes the move a serious bet, even with the first step being a loan. Brighton are not paying for potential alone here. They are bringing in a striker who has already played 82 times for Union St. Gilloise, scored in the World Cup and handled minutes as a substitute on a big stage with Canada.

Forty-one goals in 82 appearances is the headline figure. Nine assists sit alongside it, which gives Brighton a forward with a broader attacking output than a simple penalty-box poacher.

The key point is that Brighton have not waited for a cheaper, less proven option. They have moved for a player who has already shown he can score regularly, and the club's own public comments suggest they see him as ready to contribute now, not just later.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →