Sundowns’ Percy Tau joins Brighton & Hove Albion for a reported R50 million

by Brian Lee

Friday Jul 20, 2018. 15:16

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Percy Tau has joined English Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion on a four-year deal.

The speedy forward has bid farewell to the reigning Absa Premiership champions in South Africa as he prepares for life in Europe.

The 24-year-old Bafana Bafana international is now planning to make an impact in Europe after securing a move to the Seagulls.

Tau signed a four-year deal on the south coast to become Albion’s seventh signing of the summer transfer window, and will now head out to the continent on a loan move to gain more experience.

The Witbank-born star is set to be loaned out to gain experience in Europe before turning out for the Seagulls.

“Going out on loan is always good to help a player develop and get better. It’s new for me to be in Europe, and I’ll get to work on myself and a few things that I need to improve,” Tau told Brighton's official website.

“I’m hoping to get a better understanding of the game from playing there. It’s a different approach to what we’re used to in South Africa. It’s exciting football.

“Last season was great, I got a few personal achievements, but we won the league as well, which is something that means so much to me.

“I’m happy to have gone down that path, but it’s over now and it’s time to make new memories.

“This move should help me play more international football. I’ll be learning a lot, which will also be good for my country."

Having clinched the 2017/18 PSL Player and Player’s Player of the Year Awards after netting 13 goals for the Brazilians, Tau attracted interest from European clubs but the Seagulls have won the race for his signature.

The South African’s long-term aim will be to ply his trade for Chris Hughton’s side.

Tau has also praised the infrastructure at the club.

“Hopefully I can make some great memories here - I love making memories and I’m so happy to be here,” he added.

“I’m very impressed with the facilities, they’re better than what I’m used to. It’s something I expected and it’s a better place to be.”

Although the deal is reported to be around R50 million, the EPL side has not divulged the details of the deal.