Brighton signs left-back Jaouen Hadjam from Young Boys for €12 million

Brighton & Hove Albion have added another piece to their defensive puzzle, confirming the signing of left-back Jaouen Hadjam from Swiss side BSC Young Boys for a reported fee of €12 million (£10.3 million) including potential add-ons.

The deal, finalized on August 25, makes Hadjam the club’s eighth acquisition of the summer transfer window. For a player who cost Young Boys just €1.3 million when he arrived in Bern in January 2024, that’s roughly a 9x return in under three years.

From Paris FC to the Premier League

Hadjam’s career trajectory reads like a well-executed scouting operation played out across three countries. Born in France on March 26, 2003, to Algerian parents, the 23-year-old started his professional journey at Paris FC before moving to Nantes for a modest €300,000 fee in January 2023.

That stint at Nantes proved to be a launching pad. His performances caught the attention of Young Boys, who brought him to Switzerland a year later for €1.3 million. Over the next two and a half years, Hadjam racked up more than 70 appearances in the Swiss Super League.

His total career transfer fees now sit at roughly €1.6 million across his first two moves. Brighton’s €12 million outlay represents a significant step up in valuation.

At the international level, Hadjam has represented Algeria, choosing his parents’ homeland over France.

Brighton’s defensive rebuild takes shape

Hadjam is expected to sign a long-term contract at the Amex Stadium, with reports suggesting a deal running through 2031. That five-year commitment signals Brighton’s belief that the left-back can be a fixture in their plans for the foreseeable future.

The signing also adds competitive depth at left-back, where Hadjam will slot in alongside Maxim De Cuyper.

What Hadjam brings to the table

Hadjam’s 70-plus appearances in Switzerland included exposure to European competition with Young Boys. His ability to contribute on both sides of the ball, combining defensive reliability with attacking output, is precisely why Brighton targeted him.

For Young Boys, the deal represents excellent return on investment. Turning a €1.3 million purchase into a €12 million sale in roughly 30 months validates their own scouting network and development pathway.