Albion sign Cameroon international

Cameroonian international left-back Gaetan Bong has become Brighton & Hove Albion’s third major signing of the summer.

The 27-year-old has agreed a two-year deal and joins the club on a free transfer, after the defender’s short-term deal at Wigan Athletic ended in May.

Manager Chris Hughton said, “Gaetan is a player that we were aware of before he came to England, while he was at Olympiakos in Greece.

“When he joined Wigan in February it provided us with the ideal opportunity to monitor his progress in England. 

“That gave us a really good opportunity to watch him at close hand in the Championship, and we saw him a lot during that time and he was one of the outstanding players for them.

“Gaetan has played top-flight football in France and Greece, and has experience at international level – which has been key for us this summer.

“He is very athletic, he is a natural left-sided player, and it is important to have that balance in the squad.”

Bong began his career in France with Metz and had a brief loan spell with Tours, before moving onto Valenciennes and made 87 appearances.

He moved onto Greek side Olympiakos in August 2013 and featured in four Champions League games, before joining Wigan Athletic on a free transfer in February 2015.

The Cameroonian made a total 14 appearances for the Latics and played against Albion at the DW Stadium back in April.

Bong represented his country at the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa and also played represented France at under-21 level.