Brighton close in on Algeria defender Jaouen Hadjam in £10m transfer

Brighton are on the verge of signing Algeria international Jaouen Hadjam from Switzerland in a deal understood to be worth about £10m.

The 23-year-old defender is preparing to leave his current club and move to the Premier League, with the transfer expected to be completed shortly. Hadjam’s imminent departure was reflected in his absence from the starting line-up for his side’s latest victory over Vaduz.

Although he was named among the substitutes, Hadjam did not feature in the match. His manager, Gerardo Seoane, had opted to preserve the player as negotiations over the move to Brighton reached an advanced stage.

Seoane has also publicly raised questions about Hadjam’s concentration during the transfer process. The comments came as the Algeria international’s future was being discussed and with his departure from Switzerland drawing closer.

After the final whistle against Vaduz, Hadjam spent a considerable amount of time signing autographs for supporters. The scene was widely interpreted as a definitive farewell to the Swiss fans, who appear set to see the defender leave the club.

Hadjam’s versatility is expected to be one of the qualities Brighton value as they prepare to bring him to England. The defender can operate on either side of the back four, giving the Premier League club another option across both defensive flanks.

He will join a defensive area in which Ferdi Kadioglu made a particularly strong impression last season. Hadjam’s ability to play on both sides could therefore provide additional depth in a department that Brighton are looking to strengthen.

The proposed move would represent the next stage of the 23-year-old’s career after his time with FC Nantes and his progress to international football with Algeria. His previous experience in France and Switzerland has now paved the way for a switch to the Premier League.

Brighton’s agreement to sign Hadjam is valued at approximately £10m. The transfer remains linked to the completion of the final stages of the deal, but the player’s non-involvement against Vaduz and his emotional farewell after the match indicate that his time in Switzerland is coming to an end.

With the move to Brighton approaching, Hadjam is set to leave his current club after making himself available across both defensive positions. The Premier League side will add an Algeria international who can provide cover and competition on either flank, while his departure will bring an end to his spell in Switzerland.