Brighton midfielder Mats Wieffer has admitted he still finds the transfer fee paid for him surprising, even two years after arriving at the Premier League club.
The Dutch international joined Brighton & Hove Albion from Feyenoord in the summer of 2024 in a deal worth around €32 million. Since then he has become a regular presence in the squad, although his role this season has taken an unexpected turn.
Speaking in comments relayed by Soccer News, the 26-year-old reflected on the size of the transfer fee and the unusual positional change he has experienced during the current campaign.
Mats Wieffer reacts to Brighton transfer fee
Wieffer rose through the ranks of Dutch football before securing his move to England.
After beginning his development in FC Twente’s academy, he moved to Excelsior in 2020 and spent two seasons there before Feyenoord signed him for just €575,000. His performances in Rotterdam quickly elevated his profile, leading to 79 appearances for the club with nine goals and 11 assists.
Brighton’s €32 million investment marked the highest valuation of his career. The midfielder admitted that figure still feels difficult to process.
“€30 million for me… that’s very strange, of course. It actually makes no sense. Yes, these kinds of sums have become normal in football, but if you really think about it, it’s bizarre.” — Mats Wieffer, via Soccer News
Despite the surprise at the price tag, Wieffer has gradually established himself within Brighton’s squad since the move.
New right-back role at Brighton this season
One of the more unusual developments this season has been Wieffer’s transition into a defensive role.
Primarily known as a midfielder throughout his career, he has increasingly been used as a right-back by Brighton’s coaching staff. The change initially came out of necessity when defensive injuries left the squad short of options.
Having followed Brighton’s matches closely this season, the team’s tactical flexibility has often required players to operate in unfamiliar positions.
“It started out of necessity: I was injured, came back, and we had no defenders, so I had to play there. Since then the manager has liked it because I can contribute to attacks and step into midfield.” — Mats Wieffer
The Dutchman has made 16 appearances at right-back this season, including Brighton’s recent match against Arsenal.
| Stat (Brighton Career) | Mats Wieffer |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 49 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 6 |
| Primary positions | DM / CM / RB |
| Contract | Until 2029 |
source: sofascore match data – 7 March 2026
However, the midfielder emphasised that the most important aspect for him is continuing to play regularly at the highest level.
“The most important thing is that I’m playing. And playing in the Premier League at right-back is still the Premier League.” — Mats Wieffer
Key Insights
- Mats Wieffer joined Brighton from Feyenoord in a €32m transfer in 2024.
- The midfielder admitted he still finds the transfer valuation surprising.
- Brighton have increasingly used him as a right-back this season.
- Injuries in the squad initially prompted the positional switch.
- Wieffer has made 49 appearances for Brighton since arriving.
What’s Next
Brighton’s squad planning for the upcoming summer transfer window could determine whether Wieffer continues in a defensive role. The club currently have limited natural options at right-back, with Joel Veltman remaining the only specialist in that position.
If Brighton decide to recruit another defender in the summer, Wieffer may return to his more familiar midfield role. However, if the tactical experiment continues to prove effective, the Dutch international could remain part of the defensive rotation moving forward.
Should Brighton continue using Mats Wieffer as a right-back, or move him back into midfield next season?
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