Brighton sign Polish duo Jakub Moder and Michal Karbownik in £10m swoop

Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the signings on young Polish duo Jakub Moder and Michal Karbownik
Brighton and Hove Albion FCBrighton and Hove Albion FC
Brighton and Hove Albion FC

International midfielder Moder, 21, arrives from Lech Poznan on a five-year deal for a reported £6.5m from Poznan, while Karbownik, 19, joins from Legia Warsaw on a four-year contract for a fee believed to be £3.5m.

They will be loaned back to Lech Poznan and Legia Warsaw respectively

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Technical director Dan Ashworth said, “Jakub is an exciting young central midfielder, who has already broken through into the Poland national squad at the age of 21.

“He is athletic, strong and good with both feet. He is very highly thought of within the national set up, and we did consider bringing him over straight away.

“However the loan back to Poznan suits Jakob and us for now – as he will play regularly both domestically and in the group phase of the Europa League, and at this stage that is better for his development.”

Moder – who has represented Poland at junior levels from under-16s to under-21s – made his senior international debut as a substitute against the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League last month.

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He has played ten times already this season for Poznan, helping them qualify for the group stages of the Europa League, where they will face Standard Liege, Rangers and Benfica.

His breakthrough came last season as he made 30 senior appearances in the Polish league and cup, having graduated through the club’s academy and spending time on loan at Odra Opole.

Karbownik – who has been part of the Polish senior squad, but is yet to win his first full cap – will remain with Legia, with a loan agreed for the rest of the season, subject to international clearance.

Ashworth said, “Michal is another exciting young player, who we are pleased to welcome to the club. He is flexible in terms of position; he can play on the right or left side, at full-back or wing-back, and in midfield.

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“He helped Legia win the Polish league last season, as a regular in the team as a teenager. At this stage, we feel it is right for his development that he stays in Warsaw with Legia, where he will continue to play regular senior football.

“Like all our players out with other clubs, our loans department will monitor his progress and development over the season ahead.”

Karbownik made his breakthrough with Legia last season when he made 38 appearances and contributed eight assists in the Polish League, helping his side win the title. His consistent performances earned him the award for the best newcomer in Polish football last season.

This season he has played in both the Champions League and Europa League for Legia. He received his first call-up to the senior squad last month for their UEFA Nations League fixtures against the Netherlands and Bosnia and Herzegovina when he was an unused substitute in both matches.

He has also represented Poland at under-15 to under-19 level, as he graduated through the youth system at Legia.