Brighton sign striker Jan Mlakar from Maribor

Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the signing of Slovenian striker Jan Mlakar from NK Maribor on undisclosed terms.

The 20-year-old, who has scored ten goals in 20 appearances for Maribor this season, has signed a three-and-a-half year deal with the Seagulls, but will return on loan to the Slovenian top-tier club until the end of the season.

Albion’s pathway development manager David Weir said, “We’re delighted to welcome Jan to the football club. He’s shown potential during his time playing senior football across Europe, and he’s a great long-term addition to our club.

“Jan has a good amount of experience for a young player, and we feel it’s beneficial for his development to return to Maribor for the remainder of the season.

“He’ll continue to play first-team football at a high standard, and we’ll keep track of his progress through until the end of the season.”

After starting his career in Slovenia, Mlakar joined Fiorentina in Italy before progressing through the club’s youth system, which saw him make his debut in Serie A against Palermo in 2017.

Following a brief loan spell with Venezia in Serie B, the forward signed for Maribor and returned to his home nation, where he featured three times during the club’s qualifying campaign for the UEFA Europa League.

Mlakar has also represented Slovenia’s national team at various youth levels, playing for the under-16s, under-17s, under-19s and under-21s since making his first appearance in 2014.