Brighton have signed Austria defender Michael Svoboda from Serie B champions Venezia on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
The 27-year-old centre-back is with Austria at the World Cup and will join up with Fabian Hurzeler’s squad later this summer.
Svoboda captained Venezia to the Serie B title last season, with Brighton head coach Hurzeler describing him as a player capable of strengthening the Seagulls both in and out of possession.
“Michael has enjoyed a fantastic season with Venezia, captaining them to the league title,” Hurzeler said.
“He has a number of attributes that we believe will see him adapt well to how we play, both in and out of possession.
“He also adds competition to an area we are looking to strengthen and with a number of clubs pursuing him this summer, I am very happy that he’s decided to come to Brighton.”
