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Brighton & Hove Albion are on the verge of completing another astute signing as they prepare to trigger the €6 million release clause of Venezia skipper Michael Svoboda. The Austrian central defender is poised to make the switch to the Premier League following an outstanding season in Italy, during which he captained his team back to Serie A.

Brighton move swiftly for Austrian centre-back

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Brighton have earmarked Svoboda as a key defensive target and are ready to finalise the deal for the promotion-winning leader. The Seagulls intend to pay the €6 million clause to acquire the services of the 27-year-old defender.

Svoboda delivered an impressive 2024–25 campaign, featuring in 30 matches across all competitions, scoring three goals and assisting twice. His performances were instrumental in guiding Venezia to the top of Serie B and earning immediate promotion to Serie A, just a season after their relegation.

Venezia face setback with captain’s departure

Losing Svoboda will be a major setback for Venezia. The Austrian was a cornerstone of their defence and an influential figure in the dressing room, and his exit will leave a significant void in Giovanni Stroppa’s plans as the club prepares for the challenges of Italy’s top division.

The Arancioneroverdi are expected to act quickly in the transfer market to secure a replacement for their outgoing captain. Reports indicate that Venezia are planning a recruitment drive starting next Monday to strengthen their squad following this key departure.

Svoboda opts for Premier League challenge

The appeal of the Premier League proved irresistible for Svoboda, who had multiple offers after his impressive Serie B campaign. The Austrian international was reportedly attracting attention from several Bundesliga clubs, but his ambition to compete in the world’s most-watched football league ultimately persuaded him to choose Brighton.

Both Hamburger SV and Borussia Monchengladbach expressed interest in signing him, but the project presented by the Seagulls at the Amex Stadium was considered the most compelling.

Brighton bolster squad ahead of European commitments

Brighton are eager to add further quality to their squad after finishing eighth in the Premier League last season, a result that secured them a place in the upcoming UEFA Conference League. The club is determined to build greater depth to handle the demands of both domestic and European competitions.

This will be Brighton’s second experience in European football, having made their continental debut in the 2023–24 UEFA Europa League. In that campaign, they impressed by advancing through the group stage before eventually being eliminated by Roma in the round of 16.