Brighton have completed the signing of defender Jan Paul Van Hecke from NAC Breda.
The 20-year-old has agreed a deal with the Premier League side until the summer of 2023, but could be set for a loan move away from the club.
Seagulls technical director Dan Ashworth said: "We have been tracking Jan Paul for quite a while and we're delighted he has joined us.
"He's a young talent, a powerful defender who is comfortable on the ball and good in possession. The plan now is that he will go out on loan to a club in Europe for the season to continue his development.
"The club's loans department, led by David Weir, will monitor his progress closely over the course of the season."
