Brighton & Hove Albion has officially secured Canadian striker Promise David for a season-long loan from Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium, as per an announcement made on Tuesday. The deal includes an obligation to purchase David for a reported fee of $29.7 million US, contingent upon meeting specific undisclosed criteria. Union Saint-Gilloise has confirmed that David will be joining the Premier League for the upcoming season, marking a record transfer fee for the Belgian club.
David, who excelled at Union with 41 goals in 82 appearances, played a pivotal role in the club’s first league title win in 90 years back in 2025. Having extended his contract until June 2029 last year, the 25-year-old forward also represented Canada at the recent World Cup, contributing one goal during limited playing time due to a hip injury. With four goals in 14 senior national team appearances, David, born in Brampton, Ontario to Nigerian parents, initially debuted for Nigeria’s under-23 team in October 2022. However, following discussions with Canada’s coach Jesse Marsch, FIFA approved his request to switch allegiance in February 2025.
Brighton marks the latest chapter in David’s diverse career, which has seen him ply his trade in Croatia, Malta, and Estonia before moving to Belgium in July 2024. Brighton’s Sporting Director, Mike Cave, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, citing David’s striking prowess, physical attributes, and goal-scoring history. The club, which has maintained a presence in the Premier League for nine consecutive seasons, finished in eighth place last season.