ONE TOUCH INSIGHT
Brighton’s loan for Promise David is a smart punt on a proven goal‑scorer rather than a speculative gamble. The Canadian striker netted 24 goals as Royale Union Saint‑Gilloise claimed their first Belgian title in 90 years, and he has 41 goals in 82 appearances since joining the side in 2024. His physical presence and experience in European competition and with Canada’s World Cup squad give him a profile that fits Brighton’s need for a genuine target man.
Mike Cave’s description of David as an “out‑and‑out striker with outstanding physical attributes” shows the club sees him as a Plan B when opponents sit deep and deny space to the usual front three. Holding up play and bringing midfielders into the game could unlock a more varied attack.
The true measure arrives when he lines up against Aston Villa on Sunday; if he can hold the ball and lay it off, the £22m obligation will start to look justified.
David scored 24 goals as Royale Union Saint-Gilloise won their first league title in 90 years in 2024-25
By Mike Peter
BBC Sport journalist
- Brightonhave signed Canada striker Promise David from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy for a reported £22m.
The 25-year-old arrives having played 82 times for the Belgian side, scoring 41 goals and providing nine assists since signing in 2024.
Having started his career in his homeland and then playing in Croatia and the United States, David appeared for two sides in the Maltese Premier League before moving to Estonian side Nomme Kalju and then Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
David featured in four of Canada's five World Cup fixtures as a substitute, scoring in the 2-1 group stage defeat to Switzerland.
"Promise is someone we have been watching for some time, he is an out-and-out striker who possesses outstanding physical attributes and a track record of scoring goals," said sporting director Mike Cave, external.
"His experience at international level and in European competition will hopefully prove valuable this season.
"At 25, he's entering his prime playing years and we're excited to see him continue to develop in our environment."
Brighton play Tromso in the Europa Conference League play-offs on Thursday (18:00 BST) before starting their Premier League season at home against Aston Villa on Sunday (14:00).
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AI-assisted · generated from www.bbc.co.uk reporting, not editor reviewed
