Brighton complete €5m deal for Venezia defender Svoboda

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Peter Young | Last updated Jul 2, 2026 6:16 AM ET

Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion have officially announced the signing of defender Michael Svoboda on a permanent transfer from newly-promoted Serie A outfit Venezia.

Official: Brighton sign Svoboda from Venezia

The 27-year-old has put pen to paper on a four-year contract that will keep him at the Amex until the summer of 2030.

It is believed that Brighton paid a fee of €5m to activate the Austria international’s release clause at Venezia. Svoboda is part of Ralf Rangnick’s Austria national team squad that is due to take on Spain for a spot in the 2026 World Cup round of 16 at 20.00 BST this evening.

Svoboda has spent the last six years with Venezia and chipped in with three goals and two assists from 29 appearances as his side stormed to the Serie B title in 2025-26. He has also played two full seasons in the Italian top flight in 2021-22 and 2024-25.

“Michael has enjoyed a fantastic season with Venezia, captaining them to the league title,” said Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler in a statement on the club website.

VENEZIA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 27: Michael Svoboda of Venezia during the Serie A match between Venezia FC and Torino FC at Stadio Pierluigi Penzo on September 27, 2021 in Venezia, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

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

“He 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 he’s decided to come to Brighton.”

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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