Brighton set to sign Olivier Boscagli in Bosman move | OneFootball

Brighton & Hove Albion have reached an agreement to sign PSV Eindhoven defender Olivier Boscagli.

The 26-year-old centre-back made 30 league appearances for PSV en route to securing the Eredivisie title this season courtesy of a final-day 3-1 victory over Sparta Rotterdam.

Establishing himself as a pivotal figure since his transfer from OGC Nice in 2019, Boscagli has attracted a decent level of transfer interest in recent years.

Brighton’s pursuit of Boscagli dates back to last summer when they had an £8.5 million bid rejected by PSV, who were keen to keep hold of one of their biggest assets.

The Seagulls remained steadfast in their quest to lure the player and kept constant contact with him during the final year of his deal.

Boscagli had multiple contract renewal offers from PSV, all of which were rejected, opening the door for a free transfer.

Despite the best efforts of ex-teammate Jordan Teze, who was keen on a reunion at Monaco, Boscagli will now be moving to the Amex Stadium.

Boscagli was in action for PSV for all three of their Champions League games against English opponents this term.

The Dutch side defeated Liverpool 3-2 in the group phase, before falling to a comprehensive 9-3 aggregate defeat over two legs to Arsenal in the round of 16.

The Frenchman is expected to be one of many arrivals on the south coast this summer, with Brighton also eyeing a move for Botafogo’s Cuiabano.

Capable of playing as a centre-back or left-back, Boscagli’s versatility as well as his proficiency in ball distribution will come in handy for Fabian Hurzeler as he prepares for his second year in charge.

Hurzeler will be looking to build upon a decent debut year as his side closes in on an eighth-place finish after claiming a 3-2 victory over Liverpool in their penultimate Premier League game.

The Seagulls remain in contention for European football next season but will need results elsewhere to go their way heading into their season finale against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.