Brajan Gruda
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Brajan Gruda, the German attacking midfielder, has candidly shared his experiences since joining Brighton from Mainz for a reported fee of £25 million. His inaugural season in the Premier League proved to be a challenging one, marked by the need for adaptation to a new country and club. Despite the initial hurdles, Gruda has shown resilience and determination to make his mark in English football.
Gruda said: “Yeah, I’m now one year here. In the beginning, it was very, very hard for me. Especially [being in a] new country and [at a] new club and everything. It was new for me. So, of course, you need adaptation.”
Gruda’s performance improved significantly towards the end of the 2024/25 season, where he managed to score twice and provide three assists in eight appearances. His standout moment came recently when he scored a decisive late goal against Manchester City, securing a 2-1 victory for Brighton.
Gruda said: “Now it’s a new season, and now I’m 100% reloaded, I can say. I Now I have to prove it on the pitch.”
The young German international, who came off the bench to make a critical impact in the match against City, expressed his excitement and readiness to continue his upward trajectory in the new season. Gruda is keen to capitalize on the momentum he has built and further establish himself as a key player for Brighton.
Gruda said: “Did he say the world? Obviously, if you work hard and if you keep improving. Yeah, of course. I didn’t hear it now. But now when you say it, I’m going to see it on my phone maybe,” he laughed. “Or probably my friends will send me this. But if my gaffer says this or anybody else, it gives me confidence.”
Gruda’s reflections highlight the challenges faced by players transitioning to the Premier League, particularly for those moving from different countries and leagues. His determination to adapt and succeed is evident, and his recent performances suggest he is well on his way to becoming a significant contributor to Brighton’s ambitions this season.