Brighton agree deal to sign Blackburn’s Nigeria, England and Germany-eligible striker Valentin Joseph

Brighton & Hove Albion have won the race to sign highly rated Blackburn Rovers striker Valentin Joseph after beating competition from several clubs.

The 18-year-old forward is set to join the Premier League side following a prolific season in Blackburn’s youth teams, during which he scored 21 goals in 31 appearances across all competitions.

Joseph is eligible to represent Nigeria, England and Germany, although he has not yet played for any country at youth level. His international future therefore remains open as he begins the next stage of his development at Brighton.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Brighton have agreed a deal with Blackburn Rovers for Joseph after fending off interest from a number of other clubs.

The striker made a major impression last season, with his most notable display coming in the FA Youth Cup. Joseph scored four times as Blackburn faced Coventry City in the fourth round of the competition.

His performances also brought him closer to first-team involvement. Blackburn included Joseph in their matchday squad for Championship fixtures against Middlesbrough and Southampton last season, although he did not leave the bench in either game.

Joseph confirmed on social media that his five-year association with Blackburn Rovers had ended ahead of his move to Brighton. He did not disclose the identity of his next club at the time of his announcement.

The transfer will take Joseph from Blackburn’s youth set-up to a Premier League club after a campaign in which his goalscoring form attracted widespread interest. Brighton have now secured his signature after competing with several clubs for the forward.

Joseph is the older brother of Liverpool youth team attacker Vincent Joseph.