Brighton have snapped up Nigeria international defender Leon Balogun on a free transfer from Mainz.
The 29-year-old centre-back joins on a free transfer after leaving Bundesliga side FSV Mainz 05, and has signed a two-year deal with the club.
Albion manager Chris Hughton said, “I am delighted to welcome Leon to the club. He will add more depth to our defensive options, and I am pleased to get our first piece of business done so early in the summer.
“He is in the peak years of his career and I am sure he will integrate well into the squad.
“He also has valuable experience, having played in the Bundesliga, the Europa League and at international level."
Balogun declared: “I always had a dream to play in the Premier League, and Brighton was one of the first teams to show an interest in me.
“I've been following English football as much as I can in Germany, and I saw how they got promoted from the Championship.
“I liked the way they played last season in the Premier League too and how they were able to maintain their status. It's really impressive how they work, not just as individuals, but as a team too."