Brighton and Hove Albion have beaten Celtic to the signing of Lars Dendoncker, brother of Wolves midfielder Leander.
That’s according to Het Laatste Nieuws, who report that the 19-year-old has agreed on a two-year deal, with the option of an extra season, with Brighton after leaving Club Brugge.
They say the ‘defensively-minded’ Dendoncker, who can play either in central defence and in defensive midfield has elected to move to the Seagulls despite offers from elsewhere.
One of those was from Celtic, who were ‘charmed’ by the Belgian youth international but could not secure his signature.
Instead, he has elected to team up with Graham Potter at Brighton, although he will be heading into the Seagulls’ Under 23 team primarily.
The deal will likely be considered something of a coup, though, with Celtic and Wolves arguably bigger draws than Brighton at this moment in time.
They however do have a record of signing young talent of late and it’s likely Dendoncker is eyeing up future first-team opportunities under Potter, who has handed several youngsters their chance to impress in the Premier League this season.
