CAPE TOWN - Percy Tau has finally completed his long-expected move from Mamelodi Sundowns to Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Bafana Bafana striker has joined for a reported R50m, making him the most expensive purchase in PSL in history.
However, the 24-year-old will not head straight into the Brighton first team. Instead he will be loaned out to an unconfirmed team in Europe.
“Percy is a player we have highlighted for the future, and there is no doubting his talent, having been voted South African player of the season,” Brighton manager Chris Hughton told the club website.
“Percy will go out on loan this season, play regularly and get some experience of European football. We will be watching his progress and monitoring his development over the season.”
Tau spent his entire senior career with Sundowns, with a one year loan move to home town club Witbank Aces in the 2015/16 season his only time in another team’s jersey.
He has signed a four-year contract with Brighton, becoming the club’s seventh signing this season.
“Going out on loan is always good to help a player develop and get better. It’s new for me to be in Europe, and I’ll get to work on myself and a few things that I need to improve,” Tau told the Brighton website.
“I’m hoping to get a better understanding of the game from playing there. It’s a different approach to what we’re used to in South Africa. It’s exciting football.”
He added that he was happy to have won the league in his final season at Sundowns.
“Hopefully I can make some great memories here - I love making memories and I’m so happy to be here. I’m very impressed with the facilities, they’re better than what I’m used to. It’s something I expected, and it’s a better place to be," Tau concluded.
✍️ Welcome @percymuzitau22! #BHAFC🔵⚪️🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/5lQfRd8roX
— Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽️ (@OfficialBHAFC) July 20, 2018
Keep roaring young lion. We see you, ibhubesi. Hamba Kahle!
➖ #Sundowns #FarewellPercy pic.twitter.com/VYLJfr5W2B
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) July 20, 2018