Brighton & Hove Albion have announced the signing of teenage midfielder Malick Yalcouye from IFK Goteborg on a contract until June 2029.
The 18-year-old, who holds dual nationality with Mali and Ivory Coast, began his career with Ivorian outfit ASEC Mimosas before moving to Sweden to join Goteborg last year.
Yalcouye only made his Goteborg debut in February in the Swedish Cup before being handed his first league start against Djurgardens IF at the beginning of April.
The highly-rated 5ft 7in midfielder went on to feature 14 times for Goteborg in all competitions and scored his first senior goal in a 3-0 league win over Brommapojkarna on April 29.
Our newest recruit, Malick Yalcouye! 😁🙌 pic.twitter.com/SFVKQ07Nfc
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) July 12, 2024
Hurzeler: 'Yalcouye can develop into top-class player'
Yalcouye will continue his development with Brighton, who are understood to have spent around £6m to lure the teenager to the Amex Stadium.
Speaking to Brighton's official website, head coach Fabian Hurzeler said: "We are really pleased to bring Malick to the club. He is a talented midfielder with lots of potential to develop into a top-class player.
"He's excited about this next stage of his career and we're looking forward to helping him progress."
Yalcouye becomes Brighton's third summer signing since the arrival of Hurzeler after teenage attacker Yankuba Minteh and 22-year-old midfielder Mats Wieffer.
He's here! 😁 Ibrahim Osman has arrived at Albion! 💙🤍 pic.twitter.com/6w16Zq2xon
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) July 12, 2024
Osman reacts to "dream" Brighton arrival
Meanwhile, the Seagulls have also unveiled Ibrahim Osman as a new addition to the first-team squad; the winger's £16m summer arrival from Nordsjaelland was agreed in January.
"It's a dream come true as a young guy to be in a new country, in a new team, new environment. I am happy to be here," the 19-year-old told the club's official website.
"There were a lot of teams who wanted me, but when Brighton came, I was like, 'yes, this is the type of team I want to play in'. The style of play, they also play younger players."
"My dream is playing every week, banging in goals, being the main guy!" Osman added. "I can't wait to play on one of the best pitches in the Premier League. It's a dream come true to have the chance to play there."
Osman has already begun pre-season training with his new Brighton teammates, and Yalcouye is set to join ahead of the club's trip of Japan later this month.
Oliver Thomas
