Marc Leonard has made a permanent switch to League One side Birmingham City, completing the move for a fee estimated to be around £500,000. The Scottish midfielder leaves Brighton after an impressive two-year loan spell at Northampton Town.

Leonard, who made just two first-team appearances for Brighton in the EFL Cup, expressed his enthusiasm for the move on Birmingham FC’s website. He stated, “At this stage in my career, Birmingham’s ambition aligns perfectly with mine. I felt it was the right time to leave Brighton, and I knew Birmingham was the club I wanted to join, so I pushed hard for the deal to happen.”

The 22-year-old joined Brighton from Hearts in 2018, progressing through the under-18 and under-21 teams, where he captained the latter, before his successful loan stint with Northampton Town.

David Weir, Brighton’s technical director, commented on Leonard’s departure: “Marc developed well in our academy and had a strong two years on loan with Northampton Town. This move to Birmingham City presents a great opportunity for him. We’re pleased to have been part of his journey and wish him the best for the future.”

Meanwhile, Brighton is currently on a pre-season tour in Japan, where they recently triumphed 5-1 over Kashima Antlers, thanks to goals from Yankuba Minteh, Jeremy Sarmiento, Yasin Ayari, and a brace from Amario Cozier-Duberry.

Central midfield remains a concern for new head coach Fabian Hurzeler, with uncertainty surrounding Pascal Gross’s future and Napoli’s ongoing interest in Billy Gilmour. Brighton rejected Napoli’s initial £8 million bid for Gilmour, but the Italian club is expected to return with an improved offer.

Brighton chief Paul Barber emphasized the club’s desire to retain Gilmour, saying, “We have turned down one offer from them. Billy has been an important player for us, and we’re very keen to keep him. He’s a fantastic footballer and a great character around this squad.”