Brighton reach verbal agreement to sign Algerian defender Jaouen Hadjam

Brighton and Hove Albion are closing in on the signing of Algerian defender Jaouen Hadjam after reportedly reaching a verbal agreement with Swiss side BSC Young Boys.

The Premier League club has made significant progress in negotiations for the 23-year-old left-back, with the transfer now believed to be approaching completion.

According to reports, the two clubs have settled the major aspects of the deal, although some final details still need to be ironed out before Hadjam can officially become a Brighton player.

Hadjam has enjoyed steady development since beginning his football journey in France. He spent time in the youth setups of Paris Saint-Germain and Créteil before making the step into senior football with Paris FC in 2018.

His performances at Paris FC eventually earned him a move to Nantes in 2023. After only one season with the French club, the defender continued his career abroad by joining Young Boys in Switzerland in 2024.

The move proved beneficial for Hadjam as he became an important part of the Swiss club’s squad. Despite being sidelined by a syndesmotic ligament injury in January, he returned to make a significant contribution last season.

Hadjam finished the campaign with 30 appearances, registering two goals and four assists from his defensive position.

His performances at club level have also seen him establish himself on the international stage with Algeria.

The defender made his senior debut for the Desert Foxes in 2023 and has since accumulated 21 appearances for the national team.

A transfer to Brighton would represent another major step in Hadjam’s career, giving him the opportunity to compete in the Premier League and continue his development at one of England’s top-flight clubs.

Brighton, meanwhile, would be adding a young defender with international experience and the ability to contribute offensively, with Hadjam’s pace and attacking instincts making him an attractive option on the left flank.

With negotiations now reportedly at an advanced stage, Brighton and Young Boys are expected to work on the remaining details before the transfer is formally announced.