Brighton and Hove Albion’s new signing Maxim De Cuyper has revealed he never thought he would start the 2025/26 season as the club’s first-choice left-back. The Belgian defender joined from Westerlo in July in a €20m deal, initially as cover for Pervis Estupiñán. But just 19 days after his arrival, Estupiñán departed for AC Milan, leaving De Cuyper to step into the spotlight.
Speaking to Belgian outlet Het Laatste Nieuws, the 24-year-old confessed his rapid rise took him by surprise.
“I didn’t expect to start the season anyway. When I arrived here, there were still quite a few full-backs. Two weeks before the start of the season, I became the number one left-back. I thought: ‘Hey, maybe it’s really possible.’”
A flying start in England
De Cuyper’s adaptation has been impressive. He scored his first Brighton goal in the 3-1 win over Chelsea last weekend, marking his arrival on the Premier League stage. Yet the defender insists he is judged by other metrics.
“I don’t think they’ll judge me on that. I’m still a defender. If they judge me on defensive mistakes, I understand that,” he explained.
The Belgian, a product of Club Brugge’s academy, had only previously played outside his homeland once — a short spell at Westerlo. Moving to the Premier League has therefore been a steep learning curve.
Adjusting to Premier League intensity
De Cuyper admitted the physical demands of English football have been a shock.
“The training sessions were at an intensity I wasn’t used to. They just kept going on and on,” he said.
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler, who took charge in the summer, has placed huge responsibility on De Cuyper to balance defensive solidity with the attacking width that defines Brighton’s style.
Stats Snapshot – Maxim De Cuyper (2025/26 so far)
| Stat | De Cuyper |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 5 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Tackles Won | — |
| Pass Accuracy | 84% |
source: sofascore match data – 4 October 2025
The numbers confirm his immediate contribution, but also leave space for growth as he adapts to the league’s demands.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William:
“Brighton acted swiftly after losing Estupiñán, and De Cuyper has stepped in far better than expected. His defensive discipline and attacking intent already fit Hürzeler’s system. The intensity may have surprised him, but his early impact shows he is adjusting quickly. If he maintains this trajectory, Brighton may have unearthed another bargain who can follow the club’s tradition of turning smart buys into Premier League standouts.”
Key Insights
- Maxim De Cuyper admits he never expected to be Brighton’s first-choice left-back.
- Estupiñán’s sale to AC Milan opened the door just 19 days after his arrival.
- De Cuyper scored his first Brighton goal in a 3-1 win against Chelsea.
- He admits Premier League training intensity is unlike anything in Belgium.
- Brighton continue to rely on smart recruitment to stay competitive.
What’s Next?
Brighton face Wolves tomorrow and Newcastle United after the international break, where De Cuyper will look to cement his spot and continue his strong start. With Europa League fixtures also looming, the Belgian could quickly become one of the club’s most relied-upon players.
👉 Can Maxim De Cuyper handle the demands of a full Premier League season as Brighton’s first-choice left-back?
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *