Super Eagle defender, Leon Balogun has become

Super Eagles defender, Leon Balogun signs for Brighton & Hove Albion FC

Super Eagles of Nigeria defender, Leon Balogun, has become the first summer signing for Brighton & Hove Albion FC after joining the British club on a free transfer from Mainz.

The 29-year-old centre-back signed a two-year deal with the Seagulls after becoming available on a free transfer.

Speaking on signing, Brighton boss Chris Hughton told the club's official website:

'I am delighted to welcome Leon to the club. He will add more depth to our defensive options, and I am pleased to get our first piece of business done so early in the summer.

'He is in the peak years of his career and I'm sure he will integrate well into the squad. He also has valuable experience having played in the Bundesliga, the Europa League and at international level.'

The Berlin-born defender, eligible for Nigeria through his father, is named in the Super Eagles' provisional 30-man squad for the 2018 World Cup after helping them to qualify for the tournament in Russia