Brighton confirm the signing of talented Polish prospect Kacper Kozlowski

The young midfielder arrives with plenty of promise, but will first be loaned to Belgium to assist his development.

By Angus Sinclair5 January 2022 13:39 BST

POZNAN, POLAND - JUNE 08: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Kacper Kozlowski of Poland looks on during the international friendly match between Poland and Iceland at Stadion Miejski on June 8, 2021 in Poznan, Poland. (Photo by Mateusz Slodkowski/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

As the 2021/22 transfer window gets running, Brighton & Hove Albion announce the signing of 18-year-old Poland international Kacper Kozlowski from Ekstraklasa outfit Pogon Szczecin.

Completing the move for a reported fee of £8 million, the midfielder will be immediately loaned out to Belgium side Royale Union St-Gilloise, who currently top the Jupiler Pro League.

Kozlowski first announced himself to the stage after making his debut appearance at the European Championships last year, becoming the youngest ever player to perform at the international tournament after featuring in a 1-1 draw with Spain.

With 40 appearances and four goals already in a budding professional career, Kozlowski could prove to be a vital player in seasons to come as Brighton clinch his services and rebuff reported interest from clubs such as Liverpool.

Brighton manager Graham Potter detailed his thoughts on the deal, evidently excited by the potential of the young central midfielder and the qualities that he has to offer.

Potter said, "His style of play suits us and our style. During my time here, we have done very well in recruiting players for the future and Kacper is a similar signing.

"He will initially head out on loan, as it is important for him to continue his development, and he is keen to continue playing regularly.

"We will be watching with interest, as he is a very exciting young talent and a player I am really looking forward to working with in the future."

Potter will be eager for Kozlowski to make the most of his opportunities and follow in the footsteps of other team members who have flourished after establishing themselves out on loan.

Jakub Moder and Alexis Mac Allister have both benefitted from the Albion recruitment strategy across recent years, nurturing their ability on loan, and have now become integral parts in Potter's plans.

Technical director Dan Ashworth said, "He is a bright young talent and we're very pleased to have completed the signing of Kacper, who has made a lot of progress in his career at a very early stage.

"The initial plan for Kacper in the short-term will be for him to spend the rest of the season out on loan with Union. David Weir and his team will monitor his progress there."