Brighton and Hove Albion have completed the signing of Joe Bennett on a season-long loan from Premier League Aston Villa.
The 24-year-old left-back was at Elland Road last night to watch Albion’s 2-0 win over Leeds United, before heading south today to undergo a medical at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre.
Bennett signed the paperwork this afternoon and will train with the Seagulls for the first time this Friday, ahead of Saturday’s game against Bolton Wanderers at the Amex.
Albion boss Sami Hyypia commented, “I’m delighted we have agreed with Joe and Aston Villa to bring him here on a season-long loan.
“He is a dynamic left-back, who’s very comfortable on the ball. He’s very mobile and will suit the way we want to play.
“He is a good footballer, who knows how to use the ball and I hope he will be a very good player for us.
“At 24 he has a good deal of experience, both in the Championship with Middlesbrough and in the Premier League with Aston Villa, and that too is key.”
Bennett made his debut for Middlesbrough in May 2009, in the club’s final game in the Premier League, having graduated through the club’s academy.
He played 92 times for Boro before making a £2.75m switch to Aston Villa when Paul Lambert signed him in August 2012. Over the past two seasons he’s made 37 appearances for Villa.
Bennett, who will wear squad number 30 for Albion, has also represented England at under-19, under-20 and under-21 level.
