Brighton captain world class defender has extended his contract by a year to 2026

Manager Roberto de Zerbi said: “It’s good news for Lewis and the club. I’m really happy he has signed this new contract.”

Brighton finished sixth in the Premier League last season to qualify for Europe for the first time.

Dunk won his only England cap in a friendly victory over USA in 2018.

He was recalled for June’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia but had to withdraw through injury.

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• Brighton captain Lewis Dunk has committed himself to the Seagulls with a new three-year deal.

  Academy graduate Dunk went past the 400-appearance mark during the 2022-23 season and helped the club qualify for the Europa League with an excellent sixth-placed finish.

• Dunk’s previous terms with Brighton were due to expire in two years’ time, but he has flourished under Roberto De Zerbi and will now be contracted to the club until 2026.

  De Zerbi said: “Long live the captain!

  “I’m really happy he has signed this new contract. It’s good news for Lewis and the club.”

  Centre-back Dunk repeatedly received praise from his manager for his commitment during the final weeks of the last season, after playing through the pain to help Brighton qualify for Europe.

  It subsequently meant the defender had to pull out of the England squad for their June qualifiers.

• Dunk made his debut for Brighton in 2010 and has been a key figure in their journey from Sky Bet League One through to the Championship and eventually the Premier League.

• The 31-year-old signed a five-year deal with the club in 2025, but these fresh terms will continue his association with his boyhood club.

  He has previously stated his desire to finish his career as a one-club man.