Promise David Joins Brighton & Hove Albion on Loan
Promise David’s Premier League journey is finally on.
Brighton & Hove Albion confirmed on Tuesday that the Canadian international has joined from Union Saint-Gilloise on a season-long loan, a deal that comes with an obligation to buy if certain undisclosed conditions are met. The permanent move is understood to be worth about US$29.7 million.
Union did not hide the scale of the transfer, announcing that David will play in the Premier League “from the next season onwards” for a record fee in the Belgian club’s history.
From Brussels glory to Brighton’s project
David arrives on the south coast off the back of two prolific seasons in Belgium. He struck 41 goals in 82 games for Union, spearheading a side that finally ended a 90-year wait for a league title in 2025. That form earned him a contract extension through June 2029 only last year, underlining how hard Brighton had to push to get him out.
Now, that title-winner becomes the latest piece in Brighton’s carefully assembled attack.
“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,” sporting director Mike Cave said in a club statement. “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, established in the Premier League for nine straight seasons and fresh from an eighth-place finish last term, are betting that those prime years will play out at the Amex.
A winding road to Canada – and England
David’s route to this point has been anything but straightforward.
Born in Brampton, Ont., to Nigerian parents, he first pulled on international colours for Nigeria’s under-23 side in October 2022. The story changed in February 2025, when, after discussions with Canada head coach Jesse Marsch, FIFA approved his request to switch allegiance.
Since then, he has collected 14 caps and four goals for Canada’s senior team. At this past summer’s World Cup, he featured mainly off the bench as he worked back from a hip injury, but still managed to score once on the biggest stage.
His club career has been equally nomadic. Before Union came calling in July 2024, David had already played professionally in Croatia, Malta and Estonia, learning his trade far from the spotlight he is about to step into.
Now the well-travelled striker lands in the Premier League with a record fee behind him, a title on his CV and a club that believes he is ready to lead the line at the highest level. The question is simple: how quickly can he turn that promise into goals on England’s south coast?
