Brighton nabs Bissouma from Lille

Brighton & Hove Albion has signed Malian international Yves Bissouma from Ligue 1 outfit Lille, the Premier League side announced Tuesday.

The 21-year-old midfielder joins Brighton on a five-year deal, though financial terms were not disclosed.

"We have been keen to strengthen the squad in the central-midfield positions, and this will add to our options in this area. I am very much looking forward to working with him," Seagulls boss Chris Hughton said in a statement. "He is someone with good technical ability on the ball, and has good experience at a relatively young age, after playing regularly in a competitive French league for the past two seasons."

Predominantly a defensive midfielder, Bissouma also played in a variety of different positions this past season, including rare appearances at right-back.

He spent the last two seasons with Les Dogues, making 55 appearances and scoring four goals.