Austrian defender Michael Svoboda signs for Brighton

The transfer, for an undisclosed fee, brings the curtain down on a six-season stay in Italy for Svoboda, who joined Venezia on a free transfer in 2020 and went on to establish himself as one of the club's most influential players.

Over more than 120 appearances across Serie A and Serie B, he played a pivotal role in two successful promotion campaigns to the top flight.

His final season proved especially memorable. Wearing the captain's armband, the 1.95-metre defender helped Venezia secure the 2025-26 Serie B title and an immediate return to Serie A.

Despite operating at centre-back, he made a significant impact in the attacking third, scoring three league goals and contributing two assists in 29 league outings.

Svoboda's consistent performances at club level also earned international recognition. He made his senior Austria debut as a substitute in a 4-0 UEFA Nations League victory over Kazakhstan on 10 October 2024.

The defender is currently away with the Austrian national team at the World Cup and is preparing for Thursday's round-of-32 meeting with Spain

Fabian Hurzeler told the club's official website: "Michael has enjoyed a fantastic season with Venezia, captaining them to the league title.

"He has a number of attributes that we believe will see him adapt well to how we play, both in and out of possession.

âœHe also adds competition to an area we are looking to strengthen and with a number of clubs pursuing him this summer, I am very happy that heâ™s decided to come to Brighton.â

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