Brighton & Hove Albion have swooped in at the deadline to land defensive midfielder Chema Andres from Stuttgart on a five‑year contract.
The 21‑year‑old arrived in Stuttgart from Real Madrid for €5 million last summer, with the Spanish giants keeping a first‑refusal right and a 50 % sell‑on clause.
Since then he has featured in 26 Bundesliga matches, netting three times and adding an assist.
He also appeared nine times as Stuttgart reached the Europa League last‑16 last season.
The No 6 slot remained the last puzzle piece after a hectic transfer window. Manager Roberto Hurzeler usually fields a double‑pivot, preferring Pascal Gross alongside Yasin Ayari, whose contract expires next summer.
Ayari missed the recent loss to Chelsea with an ankle knock, prompting Hurzeler to slot centre‑back Olivier Boscagli into the holding role behind Gross and Malick Yalcouye, who impressed on his Premier League debut with a goal.
Chema likened to Rodri, though he disagrees Will he become the midfield lynchpin Brighton needs?
Analysis by Real Madrid correspondent Mario Cortegana
Chema is among the latest Real Madrid academy products, having left the club in summer 2025 after debuting in January and tallying three first‑team appearances.
For fans unfamiliar with his Valdebebas roots, the closest—though daring—comparison is Barcelona’s Rodri, both in style and temperament. For my money, Andres mirrors Rodri’s composure on the ball.
“It would be an honour to speak to him and tell him how much I admire him. From what I’ve read, he’s an exceptional person,”
“I see myself as cheerful, humble, and someone who gets on well with everyone. I don’t like footballer stereotypes. Some people enjoy that, but I’m more low‑key,”
Chema rose through La Fábrica under the watch of future Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso, Fulham coach Álvaro Arbeloa—who pushed him hard during a slump—and Raúl, who always trusted his ability.
He has been a staple in Spain’s youth squads, yet breaking into the senior side is tough with Rodri and Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi ahead. Still, many at the RFEF see him poised to graduate from the Under‑21s soon.