Maxim De Cuyper Brighton news is making headlines after the Seagulls’ £15m summer signing was tipped for a quick exit despite only joining from Club Brugge in July. The 24-year-old Belgian was brought in to replace Pervis Estupiñán, who sealed a move to AC Milan, and he has already nailed down the left-back role in Fabian Hürzeler’s starting XI.
De Cuyper has started all three of Brighton’s Premier League matches this season, impressing with his composure and attacking drive. His early performances have caught the attention back home in Belgium, where he delivered a standout display in Thursday’s 6-0 World Cup qualifier win over Liechtenstein — scoring the opener and setting up Arthur Theate before coming off in the second half.
Could Brighton really keep hold of a player already being described as “indisputable” for the Belgian national team?
Belgian Press: “Brighton Only a Stepping Stone”
Het Nieuwsblad’s head of football Ludo Vandewalle was full of praise for De Cuyper’s display, pointing to his growing maturity and leadership qualities:
“However, the star performer was De Cuyper. Dangerous crosses, a beautiful header, an assist, even a nascent leadership role… what a tremendous positive development the 24-year-old left back has made in recent years. If this continues, Brighton will only be a stepping stone to the absolute top.” — Ludo Vandewalle, Het Nieuwsblad
Another leading Belgian outlet, La Dernière Heure, went even further, declaring that Belgium’s long-standing left-back problem has finally been solved:
“The left-back position has long been the weak point of the national team. We have put central defenders [Vertonghen, Theate] and right-handed [Castagne] to try to find a solution in recent years. The question no longer arises today: De Cuyper is indisputable.”
Why Brighton Needed De Cuyper
Brighton’s decision to cash in on Estupiñán was seen as a gamble, but De Cuyper has instantly filled the gap. At 24, he offers both attacking width and defensive discipline, aligning with Hürzeler’s philosophy of progressive, high-press football.
The Seagulls’ European ambitions depend on fresh talent bedding in quickly. With De Cuyper, they may have secured not just a replacement but a player capable of lifting the team’s overall balance on the left.
De Cuyper’s Stats So Far
| Stat (2025/26) | Maxim De Cuyper |
|---|---|
| Premier League Appearances | 3 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Belgium Goals v Liechtenstein | 1 |
| Belgium Assists v Liechtenstein | 1 |
source: sofascore match data – 5 September 2025
The early data underlines a defender who can influence games at both ends of the pitch. His attacking contributions for Belgium, in particular, suggest he could soon add output in the Premier League too.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes De Cuyper is quickly proving to be one of the bargains of the summer:
“Brighton rarely miss in the transfer market, and De Cuyper looks like another shrewd addition. His crossing ability and intelligence in build-up give Hürzeler new dimensions down the left. The challenge will be keeping him if Champions League clubs come calling.”
He adds:
“Belgium’s lack of left-backs has given De Cuyper an accelerated platform. If he keeps performing like this, the Seagulls will face the same problem they’ve had with Mac Allister, Caicedo and Estupiñán — being forced to sell too soon.”
Key Insights
- De Cuyper joined Brighton from Club Brugge in July 2025 on a contract until 2030.
- Has started all three Premier League matches this season.
- Scored and assisted for Belgium in a 6-0 win v Liechtenstein.
- Belgian media believe Brighton will be only a “stepping stone” to the top.
- La Dernière Heure call him “indisputable” at left-back for Belgium.
What’s Next for De Cuyper and Brighton?
Brighton resume Premier League action with a tricky run, facing Tottenham and Manchester City before their Europa League group stage campaign begins. De Cuyper is expected to remain a key figure, with Hürzeler unlikely to rotate heavily given his lack of options at left-back.
But the bigger question looms: how long can Brighton hold onto him? If De Cuyper maintains his form for Belgium and thrives in European competition, the Seagulls may once again find themselves battling Europe’s elite for the signature of their next big star.
Will Maxim De Cuyper stay long enough to shape Brighton’s future, or will he follow the well-trodden Seagulls exit route to Europe’s elite?
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