Chelsea youngster Lamptey joins Brighton and Hove Albion on permanent deal | OneFootball

Chelsea youngster Tariq Lamptey has joined Brighton and Hove Albion on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

The 19-year-old defender made his first-team debut for Chelsea in their Premier League win at Arsenal last month and has featured as a substitute in both rounds of the FA Cup.

He has now completed a switch to the south coast, with Brighton confirming the signing of the England youth international for an undisclosed fee, reported to be in the region of £4million.

Lamptey, also capable of playing in midfield, is now looking to prove himself in the top flight.

"It was a really tough decision to leave as I've been at Chelsea since the age of seven and seen it all the way to the under-23s, and then the first team," he told his new side's official website.

"It was a proud moment when I made my Premier League debut, but I felt that it was the right time to start a new chapter and come to this brilliant club.

"The manager and the club have shown great faith in bringing me here. I just hope I can repay their trust, and help the club reach their goals and objectives.

"They are a team on the up with a great fanbase, training ground and stadium and they have everything I need to become a better player."

Brighton are 15th in the league and travel to fellow strugglers West Ham on Saturday.

The Seagulls have also recalled striker Jurgen Locadia from a loan spell with Bundesliga side Hoffenheim, with the Dutchman having scored four goals in 11 league appearances this term.