Brighton & Hove Albion defender Vitalijs Maksimenko has joined VVV-Venlo on a season-long loan.
The Latvian international flew out to Holland this weekend, to undergo a medical and sign paperwork with the Dutch Eerste Divisie side.
Manager Sami Hyypia said, “At this stage of his career it’s important for Vitalijs that he plays regular games and continues to learn as part of his development.
“He’s a good defender, a very good professional, and a player who works hard, trains well and wants to get better, but his options here this season are limited with the defenders we have at the club.
“At the moment he would be our fourth choice, but at his age he needs to play regular first-team football, which is also important for his international aspirations, and therefore we have agreed to let him go on loan to Venlo.”
Albion signed 23-year-old Maksimenko from Latvian team Skonta Riga in January 2013, but his opportunities have been limited to just three appearances.
He has spent time on loan with Yeovil Town – helping them win promotion to the Championship in 2013 – and Scottish Premier League side Kilmarnock during the second half of last season.
