Official: Brighton complete €5m deal for Venezia defender Svoboda

Official: Brighton complete €5m deal for Venezia defender SvobodaPremier League side Brighton & Hove Albion have officially announced the signing of defender Michael Svoboda on a permanent transfer from newly-promoted Serie A outfit Venezia.

Official: Brighton sign Svoboda from VeneziaThe 27-year-old has put pen to paper on a four-year contract that will keep him at the Amex until the summer of 2030.

>It is believed that Brighton paid a fee of €5m to activate the Austria international’s release clause at Venezia. Svoboda is part of Ralf Rangnick’s Austria national team squad that is due to take on Spain for a spot in the 2026 World Cup round of 16 at 20.00 BST this evening.

>Svoboda has spent the last six years with Venezia and chipped in with three goals and two assists from 29 appearances as his side stormed to the Serie B title in 2025-26. He has also played two full seasons in the Italian top flight in 2021-22 and 2024-25.

>“Michael has enjoyed a fantastic season with Venezia, captaining them to the league title,” said Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler in a statement on the club website.

VENEZIA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 27: Michael Svoboda of Venezia during the Serie A match between Venezia FC and Torino FC at Stadio Pierluigi Penzo on September 27, 2021 in Venezia, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

>“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.”