Mats Wieffer believes that Brighton & Hove Albion is the right club for his further development. At the same time, according to his new employer, the nine-time international is already one of the best players in Europe in his position.
Scottish former international David Weir, a former player for Everton and Rangers and currently the technical director of Brighton, expressed his excitement after the announcement of Wieffer's transfer.
"We are very pleased with the arrival of Mats, a player whose qualities we have long admired," Weir said on the club's website. "He has already gained a lot of experience in the Champions League and the Eredivisie and has developed into one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe."
Brighton paid around thirty million euros for Wieffer, a club record for Feyenoord. The 24-year-old midfielder signed a five-year contract in the south of England, where he will join fellow Dutch players Bart Verbruggen and defenders Jan Paul van Hecke and Joël Veltman. "Bart said that you can develop well as a player here. You can also see this from the signings the club has made, such as Minteh," Wieffer said on the club's website.
Wieffer's move to the Premier League is a significant step in his career. Just like Yankuba Minteh, who recently joined from Newcastle United, it was also a dream for Wieffer to play in the Premier League. "Because this is the highest level. Last season I played in the Champions League, but in the Premier League, you have to reach that level every week. That will be the biggest challenge for me," said the former FC Twente youth player, who was still playing in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie for Excelsior just two years ago.
The journey from the Keuken Kampioen Divisie to the Premier League has been rapid for Wieffer. His performances for Feyenoord, especially in the Champions League, caught the eye of many top clubs, but it was Brighton who secured his signature. This transfer underscores Brighton's ambition and commitment to building a competitive squad capable of challenging at the highest levels of English football.
Now Wieffer will be measuring himself against the very best in the Premier League. He is confident that he will fit well into the intended playing style of the new coach Fabian Hürzeler (31), who joined from the promoted Sankt Pauli as Roberto De Zerbi's successor. "He is a nice man. He explained to me how he wants to play next season. It resembles how I played at Feyenoord. I got a very positive impression and look forward to getting started."
Hürzeler’s vision for the team appears to align with Wieffer’s strengths, emphasizing a dynamic and disciplined midfield role that Wieffer excelled in at Feyenoord. The young coach's tactical approach, focusing on high pressing and quick transitions, is expected to bring out the best in Wieffer, who thrives in such systems.
Brighton's investment in Wieffer is seen as a strategic move to bolster their midfield with a player of proven European pedigree. The club's supporters are eager to see how Wieffer's skill set will enhance their team's performance. With the backing of the club's management and the guidance of a new coach, Wieffer is poised to make a significant impact in the Premier League.
As Wieffer begins this new chapter of his career, he brings with him not only his footballing abilities but also a story of rapid progression and resilience. His journey from the lower tiers of Dutch football to the elite stage of the Premier League serves as an inspiration to many young footballers. Wieffer's integration into the Brighton squad will be closely watched, and there is a palpable sense of excitement about what he can achieve in the coming seasons.
