Surprising move for Brighton and Hove Albion defender on transfer deadline day

Youth team defender Kacper Lopata has today left Albion to join Polish second tier club Zaglebie Sosnowiec on loan until June.

The 18-year-old, who was born in Poland before moving to Bristol when he was nine years old, joined Albion in November 2018 from Bristol City.

made 11 appearances for the under-18s in his first season with the club, appearing twice in the run to the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup. He has also represented Poland at under-18 level.

After spending pre-season with the under-23s, Kacper joined Isthmian League Whitehawk in August and scored on his debut. He made 19 appearances for the Hawks.

Academy Manager John Morling said, “This is the next stage in Kacper’s development and a good opportunity for him.

“He is going to Poland to play regular first-team football at a good level. We will be monitoring his progress and wish him all the best.”