Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan has become the latest Australian to secure a full-time move to the English Premier League for next season after he confirmed he had joined top flight newcomers Brighton.
Ryan, aged 25, has signed a five-year deal – a Brighton record – with the south coast club who came up from The Championship last season.
![Mat Ryan has signed a long-term deal with Premier League newcomers Brighton.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617110749im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/w/o/c/3/h/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gwt1zd.png/1497669283545.jpg)
It has been reported that Brighton paid Ryan's former club, Spanish La Liga side Valencia, £5 million ($8.4 million) to secure his services.
Brighton manager Chris Hughton told the club's website that Ryan would be an "excellent addition" to the first team squad.
"We're very much looking forward to working with him for the season ahead," Hughton said.
"For somebody of Mathew's age, he has very good experience, having played in the top divisions in Australia, Belgium and Spain. He has also competed in European competition and made a number of appearances at international level."
In an interview before the Socceroos flew to the Confederations Cup Ryan said: "In every industry you want to get to the highest level in whatever job you are working in.
"I am no different. I am always trying to push myself, contribute the best that I can for whatever team I am representing.
"Every move I am making is to be a number one, to get as much game time. That's the environment I want to get myself in. Now I want to cement a spot, take the next step, play every week. That will bring out the best of me, and I will improve."