TBR Football can exclusively confirm that Brighton & Hove Albion have beaten the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur to the signing of a title-winning defender on a free transfer.
Liverpool and Tottenham are likely to be busy in the summer transfer window as they look to improve their respective squads, and both are looking at centre-backs.
For instance, both Liverpool and Tottenham were keen on Dean Huijsen, but he’s now Real Madrid-bound.
Now, TBR Football can confirm that both clubs have been beaten to another top defender by Brighton, their Premier League rivals.
READ MORE: Roma readying bid for ‘phenomenal’ Brighton player who Tottenham have always liked
Brighton beat Liverpool and Tottenham to Olivier Boscagli signing
Brighton & Hove Albion sources have confirmed to TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey that they have secured the signing of Olivier Boscagli.
In doing so, the Seagulls have beaten a host of Premier League rivals to the Frenchman’s signature.
We can confirm that Liverpool, Tottenham and Bournemouth have all had conversations with the PSV Eindhoven defender and his camp in recent weeks.
However, Brighton always believed they were leading the chase for the 27-year-old.
They tried to sign the left-sider – who can play centrally or at full-back – last summer, but PSV rejected their offer.
Now Boscagli will move on a free transfer to the AMEX Stadium, having agreed terms with The Seagulls.
What Olivier Boscagli could bring to the Premier League
Over the past 12 months, Boscagli has elevated himself to the highest percentiles in a number of metrics.
| Statistic | Per 90 minutes | Percentile |
| Non-Penalty Goals | 0.04 | 51 |
| Shots Total | 0.63 | 70 |
| Assists | 0.21 | 99 |
| Shot-Creating Actions | 2.95 | 99 |
| Passes Attempted | 99.2 | 99 |
| Pass Completion % | 87.40% | 73 |
| Progressive Passes | 12.75 | 99 |
| Progressive Carries | 1.51 | 97 |
| Successful Take-Ons | 0.18 | 54 |
| Touches (Att Pen) | 0.67 | 33 |
| Progressive Passes Rec | 0.56 | 82 |
| Tackles | 2.04 | 87 |
| Interceptions | 1.33 | 67 |
| Blocks | 0.77 | 8 |
| Clearances | 3.51 | 8 |
| Aerials Won | 1.26 | 8 |
For instance, he’s in the top percentile when it comes to assists, shot-creating actions, attempted passes and progressive passes.
Boscagli also ranks highly in tackles, progressive carries, pass completion and interceptions.
In addition, he’s leaving PSV as a double champion, having won the last two Eredivisie titles in a row – along with two Dutch Cups and three Dutch Supercups.
At 27 years of age, Boscagli is also heading into his prime – and best of all for Brighton, they won’t be paying PSV a penny for him.
