Just a few days after star keeper David Stockdale left for Birmingham CityBrighton and Hove Albion announced a club-record signing for goalkeeper Mathew Ryan. The Australian will join up with the team after the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup

The Australian-born player agreed to sign a five-year-deal for the newly promoted Premier League outfit. 

A look at Mathew Ryan

After playing for the youth sides at Blacktown City and Central Coast Mariners, Matthew Ryan made his senior debut for Blacktown. He then moved to Central Coast again, where he was placed as the reserve keeper. An opportunity rose for Ryan when the starter was ruled out for the remainder of the season with an injury. 

Ryan would go on to prove himself and spark interest from many teams in Europe before signing for Belgian side Club Brugge in 2013. It was here where he would establish himself as a keeper with huge potential, earning goalkeeper of the year in both 2014 and 2015. 

In July of 2015, Ryan signed for La Liga side Valencia on a six-year contract. Unfortunately he struggled to gain time on the pitch, so he was loaned back to Belgium and played for Genk for the remainder of the year.

Hughton begins to form his Premier League side

This is manager Chris Hughton's second signing this Summer, the first one being Pascal Gross from FC Ingolstadt. Hughton has seen a few players sign contract extensions, but most notably had their starting keeper David Stockdale reject his offer to stay at the Sussex club. 

"I'm delighted that we've been able to attract Mathew to the club," Albion manager Chris Hughton said. "He will certainly be an excellent addition to the squad in time for our first season in the Premier League."

Before Stockdale decided to leave the club there were already rumors that the Seagulls were inquiring about Ryan's services. This drew debate from the fans on who would be their main keeper if Ryan signed and Stockdale stayed, but with the Englishman's departure the question is all but answered. 

Hughton has been relatively quiet so far this Summer, and there are reports saying Brighton have already lost out on Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham who seems to be headed to Newcastle United on loan, but the club remains optimistic on building a solid first team to survive their first ever season in the Premier League.

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