Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Brajan Gruda is reportedly pushing for a permanent move away from the club following extensive discussions about his future. According to reports from Germany, RB Leipzig are currently negotiating with Brighton over a deal that could see the young attacker remain in the Bundesliga beyond this season.
Gruda joined Brighton from Mainz in the summer of 2024 for a fee believed to be around £25 million. Despite arriving with high expectations, the 21-year-old has found it difficult to secure a regular starting role under head coach Fabian Hurzeler. Although he showed flashes of quality throughout the campaign, he struggled to cement his place in Brighton’s attacking setup.
The German youngster spent the second half of the season on loan at RB Leipzig, where he has impressed with his performances in the Bundesliga. In 12 league appearances, Gruda contributed three goals and three assists, convincing Leipzig that he could become an important part of their future plans. German publication Bild reports that Leipzig held “lengthy talks” with the player during the week and have now decided they want to keep him permanently rather than allowing him to return to Brighton.
Negotiations between the two clubs are expected to continue and could intensify once Brighton complete their Premier League season. The Seagulls are still fighting for European qualification, and whether they secure a place in Europe next season may influence their transfer business during the summer window.
Brighton are believed to be keen on recovering the significant investment they made in Gruda if a sale is agreed. The player remains under contract at the Amex Stadium until 2028, meaning the club are in a strong negotiating position. During his time with Brighton, Gruda made 45 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing eight assists.
Primarily deployed as a number 10, Gruda also featured on the right wing at times. However, competition for attacking places has been intense, with players such as Yankuba Minteh, Georginio Rutter, and Jack Hinshelwood often preferred in the pecking order. Brighton also continue to develop several promising young attacking talents, including Harry Howell and Amario Cozier-Duberry, which could further limit Gruda’s opportunities if he remains at the club.
As a result, a permanent move to RB Leipzig may offer the German playmaker a better pathway to consistent first-team football and continued development at the highest level.
