Brighton boost midfield with Chema Andres as summer recruitment continues
Brighton & Hove Albion have strengthened their midfield by signing Chema Andres from VfB Stuttgart in a deal reported to be worth £15.5m. The 21-year-old Spain Under-21 international has signed a five-year contract with the Seagulls, the club announced on transfer deadline day.
The move follows a rapid rise for Andres, who spent last season in the Bundesliga after joining Stuttgart from Real Madrid in 2025. He made a significant contribution to Stuttgart’s campaign, making 41 appearances as they secured qualification for the Champions League.
"The Spain Under-21 international made 41 appearances for Stuttgart last season after joining from Real Madrid in 2025."
Brighton’s business this summer has been extensive. The arrival of Andres will be the club’s 11th signing of the window, coming after a busy period of both recruitment and notable departures that have reshaped the squad and the club’s transfer budget.
Winger Azeez set to join as Millwall agree fee
In a separate agreement, Brighton have also reached terms to sign Nigeria winger Femi Azeez from Millwall. The 25-year-old enjoyed an impressive 2025–26 season, scoring 11 goals and registering 8 assists in 37 appearances, a form which earned him a place in the PFA Championship Team of the Year.
Millwall have accepted an initial fee of £12.5m for Azeez, with add-ons that could push the total beyond £15m. The transfer would represent a club-record sale for Millwall; the player moved to the Lions from Reading for approximately £1m in 2024 and was entering the final two years of his contract.
Azeez’s prospective arrival has a knock-on effect within the Brighton squad. The club say the signing will allow winger Amario Cozier-Duberry, who has recently signed a new contract, to go out on loan, providing him with opportunities for regular first-team football while maintaining Brighton’s long-term control of his future.
How the summer adds up for the Seagulls
This summer’s activity shows Brighton continuing the model of combining investment in young talent with lucrative sales. Key outgoing moves have helped bankroll incoming signings. Notable departures include Carlos Baleba’s transfer to Manchester United for a reported £70m, while the club also completed a £45m signing for centre-back Luka Vuskovic from Tottenham earlier in the window.
- Chema Andres — joined from Stuttgart, five-year contract, reported fee £15.5m
- Femi Azeez — agreed with Millwall, initial fee £12.5m (rising with add-ons)
- Summer ins include Luka Vuskovic (club record signing at £45m); major outgoings include Carlos Baleba (£70m to Manchester United)
Brighton have also been linked with other outgoing moves, with winger Yankuba Minteh reported to be attracting interest from Liverpool. The club’s transfer strategy — signing promising players and selling them on for significant profits — remains evident and continues to affect squad planning and the club’s standing in the Premier League.
| Player | From/To | Reported fee |
|---|---|---|
| Chema Andres | From Stuttgart | £15.5m |
| Femi Azeez | From Millwall | £12.5m (initial) |
| Carlos Baleba | To Manchester United | £70m |
| Luka Vuskovic | To Brighton | £45m |
Locally, supporters will judge the incomings not only on transfer fees but on how quickly new signings can be integrated into Roberto De Zerbi’s squad and whether they address specific needs on the pitch. Andres arrives as a defensive midfield option capable of shielding the backline; Azeez would provide pace and directness on the wing, helping replace the minutes that may be freed if Cozier-Duberry departs on loan.
Brighton’s approach this summer highlights a continued balancing act between competitiveness in the Premier League and the financial realities of developing and trading promising players. For fans in the city, the immediate questions will be how quickly the new players settle and whether the squad depth is sufficient to sustain a strong campaign across domestic and, potentially, European commitments.
The transfer window may have closed, but the effects of these deals will be measured in performances at the Amex Stadium and on the road. Brighton have once again reshaped their squad — the next task is turning new signings into results.
