Valencia's Matt Ryan signs five-year deal with Brighton
Recently-promoted Brighton have signed Australian goalkeeper Mathew Ryan from Valencia for an undisclosed club record fee.
Newly-promoted Brighton and Hove Albion have signed Australian goalkeeper Mathew Ryan from Valencia for an undisclosed club-record fee believed to be around six million euros.
Premier League experience awaits Maty Ryan
Ryan has agreed a five-year contract with Chris Hughton's side and will replace Brighton's previous number one David Stockdale, who joined Birmingham earlier this week. The 25-year-old was chosen as the Belgian Pro League Goalkeeper of the Year in 2014 and 2015 while playing for Club Brugge. He gained his first cap for Australia in December 2012 and made three appearances at 2014 World Cup Brazil.
“I'm delighted that we've been able to attract Mathew to the club, and he will certainly be an excellent addition to the squad in time for our first season in the Premier League", Hughton said. "For somebody of Mathew's age, he has very good experience, having played in the top divisions in Australia, Belgium and Spain. He has also competed in European competition and made a number of appearances at international level".
Brighton will be playing in the Premier League for the first time since 1983 after gaining promotion back to the top flight as Championship runners-up.
Ryan said his goodbyes with a message thanking the club, team mates, staff and fans for his time at Valencia.