Michael Swoboda has officially joined Brighton and signed a four-year contract with the club.

Brighton & Wanderers have officially confirmed the signing of 27-year-old Austrian centre-back Michael Swoboda from Serie B champions Venezia on a four-year contract. The transfer fee was not disclosed. Swoboda is currently with the Austrian national team for the World Cup and will join his new teammates later this summer.

Brighton first-team manager Fabian Schürlzerle said: "Michael Swoboda had a fantastic season at Venezia, helping the team win the league title as captain. He possesses many key qualities that we believe will fit well into our tactical system, both in possession and off the ball."

“Michael Swoboda’s arrival will bring more competition to our defensive positions, which we were looking to further strengthen. We are delighted that he ultimately chose Brighton, given that several clubs expressed interest in him this summer.”

Michael Swoboda developed through the youth academy of Austrian club Schwechat before transferring to WSG Tyrol, where he helped the team achieve promotion to the Austrian top flight. In 2020, he joined Venezia, subsequently helping the team achieve promotion from Serie B in both 2021 and 2026.

Michael Swoboda played a crucial role in the recently concluded season. He didn't get his first start until the 10th round, when Venezia was only eighth in the standings. The team's form then improved significantly, losing only two more games throughout the season, and he started almost every match during this critical stretch, ultimately helping the team to a one-point advantage over Frosinone to move into second place and secure promotion. At the national team level, he will make his debut for the Austrian senior national team in October 2024 and has already made four appearances for the national team.

Image source: Internet / Brighton official website