Canadian international striker Promise David is heading to the English Premier League after joining Brighton & Hove Albion on a season-long loan from Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise.
Brighton announced the signing Tuesday, with the agreement reportedly including an obligation to purchase the 25-year-old for $29.7 million US if certain undisclosed conditions are met. Union described the potential transfer fee as a club record and said David is expected to play in the Premier League from next season onward.
David arrives in England following an impressive two-year spell in Belgium, scoring 41 goals in 82 appearances for Union. He also played an important role in helping the club capture its first Belgian league championship in 90 years in 2025.
The Brampton, Ont.-born forward represented Canada at this summer’s World Cup, scoring once while seeing limited playing time as he recovered from a hip injury. He has registered four goals in 14 senior appearances for Canada.
Born to Nigerian parents, David initially represented Nigeria at the under-23 level, making his debut in October 2022. He later opted to represent Canada following discussions with national team coach Jesse Marsch, with FIFA approving his change of international allegiance in February 2025.
Brighton sporting director Mike Cave said the club had been monitoring David for some time, describing him as an “out-and-out striker” with strong physical attributes and an established record of scoring goals. Cave added that David’s international and European experience could prove valuable to Brighton.
The move represents another major step in David’s career after spells in Croatia, Malta, Estonia and Belgium. He joined Union in July 2024 and signed a contract extension through June 2029 last year.
David now joins a Brighton side that has established itself in England’s top flight, completing its ninth consecutive Premier League season with an eighth-place finish last year.
