Brighton has completed the signing of Nigeria international defender Leon Balogun on a free transfer.
The 29-year-old left Bundesliga side Mainz at the end of the season and has signed a two-year deal with the Seagulls.
Balogun missed the 2014 World Cup through injury but has been named in Nigeria’s preliminary 30-man squad for this year’s tournament in Russia.
“Leon will add more depth to our defensive options,” said Brighton manager Chris Hughton.
“I am pleased to get our first piece of business done so early in the summer. He is in the peak years of his career and I am sure he will integrate well into the squad.
“He also has valuable experience, having played in the Bundesliga, the Europa League and at international level.”
Berlin-born Balogun is eligible to play for Nigeria through his father, and has 14 caps.
He missed out on the 2014 World Cup in Brazil after breaking his foot shortly before the tournament.