Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed that Percy Tau has joined Belgium second-tier side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on loan for the 2018-19 season.
The 24-year-old South African international joined Brighton last month from Mamelodi Sundowns for a reported South African record fee off the back of a stunning campaign where he was named Absa Premiership Footballer of the Year.
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The Bafana Bafana star was spotted training with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, where they were reportedly deciding on whether to sign the forward on a season-long loan from Brighton.
The English Premier League outfit then confirmed on their Twitter account that Tau would indeed be joining the Belgium second-tier side before wishing him good luck for the season ahead.
?? Percy Tau has joined @UnionStGilloise on a season-long loan deal.
Best of luck for the season ahead @percymuzitau22 ?#BHAFC ?⚪
Read ➡ https://t.co/HfmttmE8xz pic.twitter.com/OpSHjijJEt
— Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽ (@OfficialBHAFC) August 15, 2018
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Brighton’s development pathway manager David Weir, speaking to the club’s website, revealed that it was always the plan to send Tau out on loan, and that they will be watching his development over the season.
‘Percy is a talent we have brought to the club for the future, and this loan allows him to play regular senior football here in Europe.
‘It is a significant investment for us, and we will be closely watching his progress with Union and monitoring his development over the season.’
It is also thought that work permit issues could have also been a factor in Brighton’s decision to send Tau out on loan. The year in Europe will give him time to qualify for all the necessary credentials needed for a UK work visa and give him time to adjust to being away from South Africa.
However, this was not confirmed by the club.