Brighton announce the permanent departure of ‘great professional’ Bernardo to RB Salzburg

Brighton have announced defender Bernardo has made a permanent switch to RB Salzburg.

The Brazilian made 14 appearances for the Austrian club after joining them on loan in January and helped them retain the league title.

Left-back Bernardo signed for Brighton in 2018 and went on to play 50 times for the Seagulls, scoring one goal.

Premier League side Brighton have announced the departure of defender Bernardo (pictured)

The 26-year-old Brazilian played 50 times for the Seagulls during his three seasons at the club

Brighton technical director Dan Ashworth said in quotes on the club’s official website: ‘Bernardo is a great professional on and off the pitch and he played an important role in helping establish us in the Premier League.

‘This is a great opportunity for him at a club and an environment he knows well. We thank him for his services and wish him every success for the future.’ 

The 26-year-old – who previously spent two years with the west Austrian club earlier in his career, only played seven games in all competitions last season, including just three in the Premier League, scoring once in the League Cup. 

But manager Graham Potter clearly feels he has enough cover on the left side of his defence

Solly March and Dan Burn are senior options on the left side of defence, with 20-year-old Michal Karbownik also a younger backup player in the position. 

Midfielders Jakub Moder and Steven Alzate have also played there at times, meaning manager Graham Potter clearly felt he had enough cover to let Bernardo go.  

Brighton also on Friday announced chief operating officer Paul Mullen had been appointed to the club’s board of directors with immediate effect.