Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the permanent signing of Portuguese under-21 international winger Rodrigo Rego from Benfica.
The 21-year-old has agreed to a five-year contract that will keep him at the club until June 2031.
Benfica announced the departure through its official website, wishing the player success and personal happiness in his new chapter in the Premier League.
Transfer Fee and Details
Although the clubs did not disclose financial terms, Portuguese sports media reported that Brighton paid €3.5 million for the transfer.
Benfica also retained a percentage of any future sale.
Rego joined Benfica in the 2022/23 season from Famalicao.
He initially played for the under-19 and under-23 teams before making his first-team debut on November 21, 2025, under former manager Jose Mourinho.
The winger made five senior appearances for Benfica during the 2025/26 campaign, including a UEFA Champions League match against Ajax.
He also played 21 games for Benfica's B team.
Brighton technical director Mike Cave expressed enthusiasm about the player's potential.
"Rodrigo is an exciting talent and we are very happy to bring him to the club," Cave said.
"He had his first taste of professional football last season, both in the national league and the Champions League, which reflects the progress he has made.
We believe we can help him continue his development and reach his full potential."
Rego previously spent time in youth development at FC Porto, Dragon Force, GD Gafanha, and Padroense before moving to Famalicao and later Benfica.
