Brighton & Hove Albion sign Romanian midfielder Tudor-Cristian Baluta

Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the signing of Romanian midfielder Tudor-Cristian Baluta on a three-and-a-half-year deal from FC Viitorul Constanta on undisclosed terms.

The 19-year-old, who can also play as a defender, will be loaned back to the Romanian top-flight club for the remainder of the season having already made 15 appearances this campaign, scoring twice.

Albion’s pathway development manager David Weir said, “We are delighted to welcome Tudor to the club - he is another signing who we’ve identified as being someone we can develop for the future.

“He’s a versatile player who can play both in central midfield and as part of a defence, and has good experience in his country’s top division so far this season.

“He will spend the rest of this season back at FC Viitorul to continue his development and we will monitor his progress closely between now and the end of the campaign.”

Baluta represented Romania at senior level in October 2018 in the side’s 0-0 draw in the UEFA Nations League with Serbia, and has made six appearances at under-19 level, scoring on three occasions.

The midfielder has also appeared four times in the Europa League qualifying stages this term.