Brighton send Brajan Gruda back to RB Leipzig on loan

Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed that Brajan Gruda will spend the 2026/27 season on loan at RB Leipzig, giving the Germany Under-21 international another opportunity to play Champions League football.

The 22-year-old impressed during the second half of last season after joining Leipzig on loan, convincing both clubs that another year in Germany would be the best option for his development.

Gruda enjoyed an encouraging spell after arriving at Leipzig midway through last season.

The attacking midfielder scored three goals and registered three assists in 14 appearances, helping the Bundesliga side secure a fourth-place finish and qualification for next season's Champions League.

Brighton sporting director Mike Cave explained why the club agreed to another temporary move.

"Brajan had a good second half of the season with Leipzig and was keen to explore the opportunity of remaining there for the coming year."

"This is a move that allows Brajan to continue to secure regular playing time at a good level, in an environment he knows well."

The decision also reflects Brighton's growing strength in attacking areas.

Gruda can operate as a right winger or in the No.10 role, but Fabian Hürzeler already has several options available.

Yankuba Minteh remains the first-choice option on the right, while Amario Cozier-Duberry returns after an impressive loan spell at Bolton and highly-rated youngster Harry Howell is pushing for senior opportunities.

Brighton have also strengthened further by signing Zadok Yohanna, with the 19-year-old Nigerian expected to compete for first-team minutes immediately.

Meanwhile, Diego Gomez, Matt O'Riley and Facundo Buonanotte can all operate in similar attacking positions, although the latter two continue to be linked with moves away.

Brighton signed Gruda from Mainz in 2024 for around £25 million, believing he had the potential to become a key player.

While he has already made 45 appearances for the Seagulls, regular starts have been difficult to secure because of the competition within the squad.

Another season playing regularly for a Champions League club could significantly accelerate his development before returning to the Amex.

Gruda will begin pre-season with RB Leipzig before preparing for another Bundesliga campaign and Champions League football. Brighton will closely monitor his progress throughout the season before deciding whether he is ready to compete for a regular first-team place in 2027/28.

Do you think another season at RB Leipzig is the right move for Brajan Gruda, or should Brighton have kept him in the Premier League?