Brighton have loaned creative midfielder Brajan Gruda to RB Leipzig for the rest of the season, with the German hoping to get regular minutes back in the Bundesliga. 

Gruda arrived at the American Express Stadium from Mainz in August 2024 for €31.5m (£27.3m) and has since made 45 appearances for the Seagulls in all competitions.

Eighteen of those outings have come in the Premier League this season, though 10 have been from the bench, with the 21-year-old failing to nail down a regular starting spot.

His opportunities have been further limited by Pascal Gross' return from Borussia Dortmund earlier this month, and though Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler remains excited by Gruda's long-term potential, he believes a temporary stint at Leipzig will prove beneficial.

"Brajan wants regular football, and we are not able to guarantee him that in the second half of the season, so this loan represents a good move for all parties," Hurzeler said.

"This move gives him that opportunity, a chance to continue his development, and we wish him well for the remainder of the season."

Leipzig are currently fifth in the Bundesliga, only three points adrift of Stuttgart, who occupy the final Champions League place, despite losing 2-1 to Mainz on Saturday.

Gruda is not their only deadline-day addition, as they also sealed a permanent deal to sign 19-year-old winger Ayodele Thomas from PSV on Monday.