Promise David leaves Union Saint-Gilloise to join Brighton

Promise David takes another big step in his career. The 25-year-old Canadian international temporarily leaves Royale Union Saint-Gilloise to join Brighton, where he will play this season in the Premier League on loan, with an obligation to buy if certain criteria are met.

Brighton are betting on a forward whose stats quickly caught the eye. Since joining Union Saint-Gilloise in the summer of 2024 from Estonian club Nõmme Kalju, Promise David has played 82 matches for the Belgian side, netting 41 goals and providing nine assists. That’s a goal every two games—outstanding efficiency that made him one of Union’s most successful signings.

His first season in Belgium was particularly memorable. David scored 11 goals in 24 matches during the regular league phase, before taking things up a notch in the Champions Playoffs. He found the net eight times in ten games, playing a pivotal role in securing the Belgian championship title—the club’s first since 1935.

Last season, despite a spell on the sidelines, the Canadian striker still managed nine league goals in 24 appearances. He also scored four times in the Belgian Cup, although injury kept him out of the final.

A rise that led him all the way to the World Cup

Before his breakout in Belgium, Promise David’s journey was built step by step across several countries. After starting out in youth teams in Croatia and the United States, he moved to Malta in 2022, where he played for both Valletta and Sirens. His time in Estonia with Nõmme Kalju proved a real turning point: 30 goals in 44 league appearances convinced Union Saint-Gilloise to take a chance on him.

His club exploits also opened the door to the Canadian national team. David has won 14 caps and scored four goals for Canada. Notably, he took part in the 2026 World Cup held in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, finding the net against Switzerland.

Brighton believe in his profile

The English club sees David as a striker who can add a physical edge to their attacking lineup. “He’s an out-and-out striker with outstanding physical qualities and an impressive goal-scoring record,” emphasized Brighton’s sporting director Mike Cave.

The Canadian striker also joins in great form. He had already scored in Champions League qualifying against Bodø/Glimt, and found the net again on the opening day of the Belgian league at Westerlo, where he also registered an assist.

After building his reputation in Malta, confirming his potential in Estonia, and bursting onto the scene with Union Saint-Gilloise, Promise David now faces a new challenge. The Premier League is the biggest test of his young career, but his scoring record in Belgium gives him every reason to believe he can make the step up to the top level.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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