Brighton and Hove Albion have confirmed that Brajan Gruda will spend the 2026/27 season on loan at RB Leipzig.
The 22-year-old joined Leipzig midway through last season after struggling for regular minutes under Fabian Hürzeler. He responded with three goals and three assists in 14 appearances across all competitions, helping the Bundesliga club qualify for the Champions League.
Brighton sporting director Mike Cave said Gruda wanted to remain in Germany after a productive second half of the campaign. Albion agreed because the move gives him regular football at a strong level in familiar surroundings.
Leipzig spell offers Gruda a clearer development route
Gruda joined Brighton from Mainz in 2024 for a reported fee of around £25m, but he struggled to establish himself in the Premier League. He scored twice across 39 league appearances before Brighton approved his initial Leipzig loan in January.
Leipzig have now committed to Gruda for a full season after seeing enough during his first six months. Brighton’s official announcement confirmed the renewed loan, with Cave stressing the importance of consistent playing time.
Gruda also made his preference clear after settling quickly in Germany. He will wear Leipzig’s number 10 shirt and compete in the Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League under Martín Demichelis.
ReadBrighton previously reported that Leipzig had opened talks with Albion after Gruda expressed a desire to stay. Brighton have now chosen development over bringing him back to compete with Yankuba Minteh and their other wide attackers.
The arrangement does not necessarily end Gruda’s Albion career. A strong full season could improve his chances of returning to Hürzeler’s squad or protect Brighton’s investment ahead of a future sale.
