Brighton Signs Promise David on Loan from Union SG

Brighton have moved to sharpen their cutting edge, signing Canada striker Promise David from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on a season-long loan that includes an obligation to buy for a reported £22m.

The 25-year-old arrives with numbers that demand attention. Since joining Union SG in 2024, he has played 82 times, scoring 41 goals and adding nine assists for the Belgian club. A goal every other game. Brighton know exactly what they are paying for.

This is not a straight-line career path. David began in Canada, then bounced through Croatia and the United States before taking a less-travelled route across Europe. Two stints in the Maltese Premier League, a move to Estonian side Nomme Kalju, and then on to Union SG, where his form finally forced bigger clubs to take notice.

That rise has been mirrored on the international stage. David featured in four of Canada’s five World Cup matches, all from the bench, and still found a way to leave a mark, scoring in the 2-1 group-stage defeat to Switzerland. Those minutes, those environments, are part of what Brighton are banking on.

“Promise is someone we have been watching for some time, he is an out-and-out striker who possesses outstanding physical attributes and a track record of scoring goals,” said sporting director Mike Cave. “His experience at international level and in European competition will hopefully prove valuable this season.

“At 25, he's entering his prime playing years and we're excited to see him continue to develop in our environment.”

Brighton have paid for potential before. This time, they are gambling that a World Cup goalscorer in his prime can turn promise into Premier League end product.