Hadjam's Brighton Move Looms After Young Boys Exit

Jaouen Hadjam’s final act in a Young Boys shirt might have come with a pen in his hand rather than a ball at his feet.

The Algeria international was kept out of the firing line in Switzerland on Sunday, left on the bench and unused as Young Boys beat Vaduz 4-2 in the league. For a player who had started their previous games, the message felt clear enough: protect the asset, because a move is close.

The 23-year-old full-back is widely expected to join Brighton in a deal worth around £10 million, with the Seagulls lining him up as another piece in their evolving defensive puzzle.

Young Boys head coach Gerardo Seoane had already hinted this might happen. During the week he openly questioned how focused Hadjam could be “when he is on the verge of a potential transfer.” On Sunday, he answered that question with his team sheet.

After the final whistle, Hadjam lingered. He spent about 15 minutes signing autographs and posing for photos with supporters. That in itself is nothing new for the former Paris FC youngster, who has built a reputation for taking time with fans. This time, though, it carried a different weight. The long goodbye felt exactly like that.

Hadjam is primarily a left-back but is comfortable operating on the right as well, a versatility that fits neatly with Brighton’s recent recruitment profile. He joined Young Boys from Nantes and played his part in securing the 2023-24 Swiss title, adding top-flight experience to his 21 caps for Algeria.

At Brighton, competition at full-back is already fierce. Ferdi Kadioglu was outstanding on the left last season and walked away with player of the year honours, yet he can also switch to the right when required. Maxim De Cuyper, converted from winger to left-back, offers another option, though his best Premier League moments so far have arguably come higher up the pitch.

If Hadjam does complete his move, he will walk into a defensive unit rich in flexibility and short on guarantees. For a 23-year-old chasing the next step, that might be exactly the kind of challenge he wants.