Promise David joins Brighton from Union Saint-Gilloise on season-long loan

Promise David has joined English Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion from Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, two years after changing his international allegiance from Nigeria to Canada.

The 25-year-old striker is understood to have moved on a season-long loan, with Brighton reportedly obliged to make the transfer permanent for a fee in the region of £22m at the end of next season, according to OwnGoalNigeria.com.

David was part of the last Nigeria Under-23 squad coached by Salisu Yusuf. At the time, he was playing in Estonia and featured in the team that failed to qualify for the Olympic Games.

He later switched his international allegiance to Canada, the country where he was born, and was selected in their squad for the World Cup.

David made four substitute appearances in five matches during Canada’s World Cup campaign. He scored in their 2-1 group-stage defeat by Switzerland.

His move to Brighton follows an impressive spell with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. Since joining the Belgian club in 2024, David has made 82 appearances, scoring 41 goals and providing nine assists.

The striker began his career in his homeland before moving abroad. His route through club football has included spells in Croatia and the United States, followed by two periods with clubs in the Maltese Premier League.

He then moved to Estonia, where he played for Nomme Kalju, before continuing his career in Belgium with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

David’s switch to Brighton marks the latest step in a career that has taken him from Nigerian football to several European leagues and, internationally, from Nigeria’s Under-23 set-up to Canada’s senior World Cup squad.

Brighton’s agreement with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise gives the forward a season to establish himself in the Premier League before the reported permanent transfer becomes due at the end of next season. The potential fee would be about £22m.

His arrival also brings a player with significant recent experience in Belgian football. David’s record of 41 goals and nine assists in 82 appearances for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise provides the statistical background to the move, while his World Cup involvement means he has already featured on one of football’s biggest international stages.

He will now continue his career with Brighton & Hove Albion after committing his international future to Canada two years ago.