Pascal Gross rejoins Brighton and Hove Albion

Fans favourite Pascal Gross has rejoined Brighton and Hove Albion after 18 months with Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.

The German side paid about £8 million for the talented midfielder and Albion are understood to have agreed a deal worth about £1.3 million to bring him back to the Amex.

The 34-year-old was Albion’s first signing after they won promotion to the Premier League, joining from FC Ingolstadt for about £3 million in May 2017.

At the time, Gross was Brighton’s record signing. He went on to make 228 top-flight appearances for the Seagulls and earned a place in the Germany team at the Euro 2024 finals which his country hosted.

This afternoon (Friday 2 January), Albion said: “We are delighted to confirm that Pascal Gross has returned to the club from Borussia Dortmund for undisclosed terms on a contract until June 2027.

“The Germany international, who made over 250 appearances during his first spell with Albion, rejoins after an 18-month spell in the Bundesliga with Dortmund.”

Head coach Fabian Hürzeler said: “We are really pleased to have Pascal back with us. He’s a fantastic player and someone I know well and was looking forward to working with when I first came to the club.

“Brighton fans know his attributes but he brings great leadership qualities to the group. Those qualities, along with his experience and ability, will be a huge asset in the second half of the season.”

Pascal originally joined from Ingolstadt in 2017 and played a key role in establishing Albion in the Premier League, becoming one of the club’s most influential players during his first seven seasons on the south coast.

The versatile midfielder has made 228 Premier League appearances for Albion, scoring 30 goals and providing 45 assists.

Albion added: “Pascal played a key role in helping the club secure its highest-ever league finishes and European qualification.

“His performances here earned him a long-awaited call-up to the Germany national team in 2023. He has won 16 caps and scored once and featured at UEFA Euro 2024.”