admin
Sky Sports: Brighton Signs Apostolos Stamatelopoulos From Motherwell FC for €14m as Transfer Window Counts Down to Shut
Brighton & Hove Albion announced on Thursday the signing of Greek-Australian striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos from Motherwell FC in a €14 million deal, finalized hours before the transfer window deadline. The 24-year-old joins on a four-year contract, bolstering Roberto De Zerbi’s attacking options as the club aims to maintain its competitive edge in the Premier League.
Stamatelopoulos arrives at a critical time for Brighton, which sought attacking depth following Evan Ferguson’s injury and speculation over Danny Welbeck’s future. The striker, who holds dual Australian citizenship, enjoyed a breakout 2023/24 season in Scotland, netting 15 goals in 32 appearances to become Motherwell’s top scorer. His imposing physique (1.88m), clinical finishing, and versatility as a lone striker or in a partnership made him an ideal target for De Zerbi’s possession-based, high-pressing system.
Brighton’s sporting director, David Weir, hailed the signing as a “strategic opportunity.” *“Apostolos combines strength, tactical intelligence, and a hunger for goals. He’s a player on the rise, and we believe he can adapt quickly to the demands of the Premier League,”* Weir stated. Motherwell, meanwhile, released a statement thanking Stamatelopoulos for his “exceptional contribution” and admitting Brighton’s offer was “too good to refuse” financially for the Scottish Premiership side.
Stamatelopoulos, a product of Adelaide United’s youth academy in Australia, revived his career in Scotland after underwhelming spells in lower-tier leagues. His 2023/24 campaign was transformative: beyond his goal tally, he contributed six assists and led Motherwell in aerial duels won (4.1 per match)—a stat Brighton plans to leverage in set-piece situations. *“It’s a dream to play in the Premier League. Brighton has an inspiring project, and I’m ready to give everything for this club,”* the striker said during his unveiling.
The deal underscores the urgency of the winter transfer window, with Brighton moving swiftly to fend off interest from Serie A and Bundesliga clubs. Known for their data-driven recruitment strategy, the Seagulls identified Stamatelopoulos as a high-reward, low-risk bet, given his relatively modest fee compared to other European targets.
For Motherwell, the sale sets a club record, eclipsing the €6 million received from Celtic for David Turnbull in 2020. The funds are expected to strengthen a squad battling to stay in the Scottish Premiership’s top half.
At Brighton, Stamatelopoulos will compete for minutes in an attack featuring Joao Pedro and Ansu Fati, though he is initially expected to serve as a rotational option. His adaptation to De Zerbi’s system—which emphasizes build-up play and off-the-ball movement—will be closely monitored.
With the September 1 deadline looming, Brighton could still finalize a surprise departure, while Motherwell scrambles to secure a replacement. For now, Seagulls fans are optimistic their new Greek-Australian gem could shine in what promises to be a landmark season for the club.
