Brighton and Hove Albion sign Belgian star Leandro Trossard

Brighton and Hove Albion have signed Leandro Trossard from the Belgian league champions Genk.

The 24-year-old winger, who joins on a four-year deal, becomes the club’s second signing of the summer after Matt Clarke’s arrival from Portsmouth last week.

Trossard inspired the Belgian side to the Jupiler Pro League title last season, scoring 14 goals in 34 games while also notching up seven assists.

Having earned the captain’s armband towards the end of the campaign, he lifted the league trophy for only the fourth time in the club’s history.

Trossard also hit the net a further eight times in 11 games in the Europa League – plus three more assists – as Genk made it into the last 32 of the competition.

Albion head coach Graham Potter said: “We are delighted to welcome Leandro to the club and excited about the impact he can have for us.

“He’s an attack-minded player who had a very impressive season last year in helping Genk win the league title.

“He was influential in the side’s success last term and scored a lot of goals, as well as creating chances for others.

“At 24 he also brings good experience, having captained the side and also featured many times in the Europa League.”

Trossard joined the KRC Genk youth academy in 2010 and was promoted to the senior squad two years later, making his debut towards the end of the 2011-12 campaign.

Loan spells at Lommel United, Westerlo and OH Leuven followed before he became a regular back at his parent club in the 2016-17 season.

Since then Trossard, who has represented Belgium from U16 to U21 level, has scored 39 goals in 118 appearances in the past three seasons.

Albion’s previous signing from the Belgium league was the hugely popular Anthony Knockaert back in 2016.