Brighton sign Dan Burn from Wigan on four-year contract and immediately loan defender back to Latics

Burn, 26, has signed a four-year contract and continues Brighton’s summer policy of signing players yet to reach their peak

Brighton have completed the signing of the defender Dan Burn from Wigan Athletic, announcing the transfer on social media one minute before the deadline on Thursday. Burn, 26, has signed a four-year contract and will immediately be loaned back to Wigan until January.

The 6ft 7in centre-back is the club’s ninth signing of the summer and continues Brighton’s summer policy of recruiting players who are yet to reach their peak.

“I’m buzzing to be here because it’s been in the pipeline for a little while, so I’m very glad to get it over the line,” said Burn. “I get another crack at the Premier League, so hopefully I can do my bit to help the team – I saw a lot of their matches on the TV last season and they did very well.

“I don’t know many of the lads personally, but I’ve played against most of them, so I was very glad to see them do well. They’ve recruited very well this summer and hopefully the club can kick on again this season.”

Burn played a key role as Wigan won League One last season, starting making 42 appearances.

“We are delighted to welcome Dan to the club,” said manager Chris Hughton. “He has a wealth of experience from his time with Fulham, Birmingham City and Wigan amongst others. He’s an imposing figure and had an excellent season helping Wigan to the League One championship. He also impressed in an excellent FA Cup run to last season’s quarter-finals.

Dan Burn has joined Brighton and Hove Albion (BAHFC)

“He’s currently recovering from an injury sustained during pre-season, but he will remain with Wigan. That also benefits both Dan and ourselves as it will enable him to get fully up to speed in terms of fitness before January.”

Brighton also announced the move of the 17-year-old Australian Peter Gwargis from Swedish side Jonkopings Sodra who will join up with the under-23 squad after agreeing a three-year deal.