Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed the signing of defender Michael Svoboda from Venezia. The 27-year-old Austria international has agreed a four-year contract running until the summer of 2030 after the Premier League club activated his €5m release clause to secure the transfer.
Svoboda arrives from Italy having captained Venezia to the Serie B title in the 2025-26 campaign. He contributed three goals and two assists across 29 appearances last season, forming a key part of the defence that secured automatic promotion back to Serie A following relegation the previous year.
Hurzeler beats rival interest
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler expressed satisfaction at securing the centre-back despite competition from other clubs. “Michael has enjoyed a fantastic season with Venezia, captaining them to the league title,” Hurzeler told the club’s official website. “He has a number of attributes that we believe will see him adapt well to how we play, both in and out of possession.”
The German coach noted that Svoboda addresses a specific requirement within the squad. “He also adds competition to an area we are looking to strengthen,” Hurzeler said. “With a number of clubs pursuing him this summer, I am very happy that he’s decided to come to Brighton.”
International duty continues
The transfer was announced just hours before Svoboda is due to feature for Austria in a decisive World Cup qualifier. The centre-back remains part of Ralf Rangnick’s squad facing Spain on Tuesday evening at 20:00 BST, with the winner securing a place in the 2026 World Cup round of 16.
Svoboda established himself as a mainstay during six years with Venezia, including two previous campaigns in Italy’s top flight during 2021-22 and 2024-25. His permanent switch to the Amex Stadium provides the Seagulls with defensive cover and proven leadership qualities following his successful captaincy last term.