Burton Albion have signed Caylan Vickers from Brighton for an undisclosed fee, with the 21-year-old agreeing a two-year contract at the Pirelli Stadium and an option for a further 12 months. Gary Bowyer wants a wide player who can add output as well as pace, and he is getting one with senior experience already behind him.
Burton's bet on League One experience
Vickers spent last season on loan at Barnsley and Wigan Athletic, which is the obvious reason this move looks more measured than a straight academy punt. He did not make a first-team appearance for Brighton, but he was exposed to League One football in both loan spells and Burton are clearly backing that background.
Bowyer was direct about what he expects from the winger. Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: "He's an attacking player who will excite our supporters whilst adding goals and assists to the team."
He also pointed to the step-up Vickers has already had: "Having played at this level already, he arrives ready to contribute and we look forward to seeing how he continues to develop with us."
What Burton get now
Burton have won three of their last five competitive games, a decent platform for a new winger to come into, and the club's attacking options have been strengthened before Wednesday evening's home match against AFC Wimbledon. That gives Vickers a clear chance to settle quickly and show why Bowyer sees him as a player ready to help rather than one for the future alone.
The deal is done, the fee is undisclosed, and Burton have added a 21-year-old wide player with League One minutes at Barnsley and Wigan already on his record.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
