Brighton’s €13 M€ gamble on former Nantes Canari in Premier League

Jaouen Hadjam, the 23‑year‑old Algerian left‑back who left FC Nantes two and a half years ago, has signed for Brighton & Hove Albion, with the English club spending €13 M€ to bring him to the Premier League.

Brighton announced the signing on Tuesday, confirming the defender arrived from Young Boys of Berne. The transfer fee is estimated at €13 M€, of which €2 M€ are performance bonuses, according to L’Équipe. Une report from L’Équipe highlighted the financial details.

Brighton seal €13 M€ deal

The Algerian international signed a contract that runs until June 2031 with the Seagulls. The long‑term deal reflects Brighton’s confidence in his ability to adapt to England’s top flight.

Hadjam spent two and a half seasons in Switzerland, where he enjoyed a mixed spell at Young Boys. His form at Young Boys was mixed, but the experience helped him mature. The Swiss club had previously shown interest with an initial €3 million offer.

From Nantes to the Premier League

Formed at Paris FC, Hadjam joined FC Nantes in January 2023 and made 23 appearances for the Canari side, never fully establishing himself as a starter. He departed for Young Boys in January 2024, a move that revitalised his career.

Internationally, Hadjam has earned 21 caps for Algeria and featured in three matches at the 2026 World Cup, strengthening his profile ahead of the move.

At 23, the former Canari now faces a new challenge in one of Europe’s most demanding leagues, aiming to cement his place in Brighton’s defence and the Premier League.