Brighton Signs Canada Striker Promise David on Loan

Brighton have moved to strengthen their attack with the signing of Canada striker Promise David from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on a season-long loan, in a deal that includes an obligation to buy for a reported £22m.

The 25-year-old arrives with a clear calling card: goals. Since joining Union SG in 2024, he has hit 41 goals and supplied nine assists in 82 appearances, numbers that quickly pushed him onto the radar of clubs across Europe.

His route to the Premier League has been anything but straightforward. David began his career in Canada before spells in Croatia and the United States. He then took the less-travelled road through the Maltese Premier League with two different clubs, earned a move to Estonian side Nomme Kalju, and from there forced his way into the picture at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

Each stop toughened him. Each league added another layer to his game.

That journey eventually carried him to the World Cup stage. David featured in four of Canada’s five matches at the tournament, coming off the bench each time and scoring in the 2-1 group-stage defeat to Switzerland. It was a glimpse of his penalty-box instinct under the brightest lights.

"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 Brighton 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 now hand him the platform he has been climbing towards for years. The fee and the obligation to buy underline their belief that this is not a short-term gamble, but a centre-forward they expect to grow into the role and lead their line in the seasons ahead.