Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed the arrival of Benicio Baker-Boaitey from Porto on an initial loan deal.
The 18-year-old initially plied his trade in the ranks of West Ham United's youth academy before making the switch to Porto in 2020 and catching the eye at youth level.
Baker-Boiatey made six appearances for Porto's Under-19s in the UEFA Youth League this term, starting in a 1-1 draw with Liverpool's prospects and a 3-1 win over AC Milan.
Baker-Boiatey has now penned a six-month loan deal with Brighton before a possible permanent switch in the summer, and the attacker will link up with the Under-23s squad for the time being.
Albion have signed Porto winger Benicio Baker-Boaitey on loan until the end of the season, with a view to a permanent move. ✍️
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 31, 2022
🤝 @FirstTouchGames // #BHAFC 🔵⚪️
Speaking to brightonandhovealbion.com, Under-23s boss Andrew Crofts said: "Benicio is an exciting player and one who we are looking forward to working with, initially between now and the end of the season.
"Now the challenge is to show what his strengths are, continue his development, and push forward with his progression in the second part of the season."
Baker-Boiatey made three appearances in the Under-18 Premier League for West Ham's youth team and has two caps to his name for England's Under-16s.
Ben Knapton
