ENGLAND youth international Josh Duffus has switched his international allegiance in order to sign for Saint-Etienne.
The highly-rated forward came through the ranks at Brighton, earning a professional debut two seasons ago.
X formelry Twitter / @ASSEofficielJosh Duffus has signed for Saint-Etienne in France[/caption]
GettyDuffus, 20, worked his way through Brighton’s academy[/caption]
With further first team opportunities having proven hard to come by, the England Under-19 international has moved on to Saint-Etienne.
Les Verts are in the French second tier, having been relegated from the top flight last term.
Ligue 2 rules state that clubs can only register two non-EU players.
With the slots already filled by Ben Old and Mahmoud Jaber, Saint-Etienne were forced to get creative in order to get the deal done.
According to French outlet So Foot, Duffus obtained a Jamaican passport via his mother in order to complete the switch.
While Jamaica is not part of the EU, players from countries that have “an association or cooperation agreement with the EU” do not count as non-EU players in Ligue 2.
Upon signing for Saint-Etienne, Duffus said: “I’m joining a huge club, one that is inevitably associated with an incredible stadium, where I can’t wait to make my debut.
“I want to help bring this club back to the top, where it belongs.
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“To do that, I want to bring intensity to the team on the pitch and, above all, I hope to be decisive and score goals.”
Upon his Brighton exit, Duffus posted several pictures of himself in a Seagulls shirt from down the years.
The 20-year-old said: “After 8 years at Brighton & Hove Albion, it’s time to say goodbye.
“I’d like to thank all the players, coaches, staff and the fans for all your support throughout my time at the club and I wish you all the best in the future. THANK YOU.”
Duffus was named in the starting XI for his debut as Saint-Etienne took on Rodez on Saturday night.
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