Brighton & Hove Albion have announced the signing of Stefanos Tzimas from 2.Bundesliga outfit Nurnberg.
The 19-year-old was allegedly scouted by both Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, who considered making move for the striker.
Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich were also credited with an interest in Tzimas, but Brighton have now won the race for the signature of the highly sought-after teenager.
Brighton have confirmed that Tzimas has joined the club for undisclosed terms and subject to international clearance, with the fee agreed believed to be £22m plus add-ons.
The Greece Under-21 international has signed a contract that runs until June 2030, but he will now return to Nurnberg on loan for the rest of the season where he has scored 10 league goals in 17 appearances in the German second division.
Tzimas initially joined Nurnberg on loan from PAOK last summer, but the German club activated their option to buy the striker in this current window, ahead of selling him to Brighton.
Stefanos is a Seagull! 🇬🇷 pic.twitter.com/x6uVgsTj3d
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) February 3, 2025
Reacting to the signing of Tzimas, Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler told the club's official website: "Stefanos is an exceptional young talent, an out-and-out centre-forward with a natural ability to score goals, and we are absolutely delighted to have signed him.
"He will join up with us in the summer, ahead of next season, but we are really looking forward to working with him, and feel he has a very exciting future ahead."
Technical director David Weir added: "He will spend the second half of the season with Nurnberg, who have provided him with an excellent opportunity this season, to continue his development in the Bundesliga 2.
"We will keep a close eye on his progress, and wish him the very best for the second half of the season with Nurnberg."
Could Brighton sign anyone else on deadline day?
Tzimas becomes Brighton's third signing of the winter transfer window after midfielder Diego Gomez and centre-back Eiran Cashin, who have joined from Inter Miami and Derby County respectively for a combined fee in the region of £20m.
It is understood that the Seagulls are now pushing to sign Sunderland's 18-year-old winger Tommy Watson, but they have had two bids - including their second worth around £12m - rejected by the Black Cats.
Oliver Thomas
