Brighton have confirmed the arrival of Chema Andrés from VfB Stuttgart on a five-year contract, with the fee undisclosed and the move still subject to the usual regulatory processes. The move gives Fabian Hürzeler another midfield option and could also bring Real Madrid a further windfall due to rights retained when Andrés left Spain.
- Brighton have signed Andrés from Stuttgart on a five-year deal.
- The 21-year-old midfielder made 41 appearances in all competitions for Stuttgart in 2025/26.
- Real Madrid could receive a further payment through a reported 50 per cent sell-on clause.
Chema Andrés Joins Brighton on a Five-Year Deal
Chema Andrés arrives at Brighton as a 21-year-old defensive midfielder after a busy season in Germany, giving the club another option in an area of the pitch that has changed quickly. Brighton have already made it clear they see him as a player with real upside.
Mike Cave said Brighton had been aware of Andrés’ potential for some time. The midfielder joins with solid top-level experience behind him, and his profile fits a squad that has needed fresh depth following Mats Wieffer’s injury and Carlos Baleba’s move to Manchester United.
Stuttgart used Andrés at the base of the midfield, in a central role and, when needed, even in central defence. That versatility should greatly appeal to Hürzeler, especially with Brighton looking for reliable options in deeper areas rather than just a like-for-like replacement.
Real Madrid’s Retained Rights in the Stuttgart Deal
Real Madrid are no longer Andrés’ parent club, but they could still come out of this transfer with a useful financial boost. When he joined Stuttgart in the summer of 2025, Madrid retained a right of first refusal and a 50 per cent sell-on clause, meaning Brighton’s move may yet send money back to the Bernabéu.
Because Brighton did not disclose the transfer terms, the exact figure should be treated with caution. However, if the fee is around €23 million, Madrid’s share would work out at roughly €11.5 million under that 50 per cent clause.
Andrés’ Path from Real Madrid to the Premier League
Andrés’ route to Brighton has accelerated over the past two years. He came through Real Madrid’s C and B teams before making his La Liga debut in January 2025, then left that summer for Stuttgart in search of regular senior football.
His senior involvement in Madrid was only brief, but the Bundesliga gave him the platform he needed. Brighton noted that he made 41 appearances in all competitions in 2025/26 as Stuttgart qualified for this season’s Champions League, while his campaign also included regular Bundesliga football and Europa League experience.
Stuttgart’s trust in him grew as the season went on, with Andrés developing from a rotational option into genuine competition for Atakan Karazor at the base of the midfield. Hürzeler has also spoken warmly about the new signing’s ambition, and that next step now looks clear enough: Brighton have added a young midfielder who arrives with momentum, flexibility and a real chance to grow into the Premier League.
