Simmonds joins AFC Wimbledon on loan after Brighton deal

Brighton & Hove Albion defender Freddie Simmonds has signed a new contract with the club and will spend the 2026/27 season on loan at AFC Wimbledon.

The 18-year-old's new deal runs until June 2030, securing his long-term future at Brighton before the temporary move.

Sporting director Mike Cave said: "Freddie has progressed well through the academy and has also had the opportunity to regularly train with the first team. Now it is time for him to go and play regular senior football and this loan represents an excellent opportunity for him to do that."

Cave added: "He has worked hard to get to this position, and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on the new contract and wish him well for the season ahead."

Simmonds has been a regular for Brighton's under-21 side over the past two seasons, making 30 Premier League 2 appearances and earning inclusion in two Premier League first-team matchday squads.

His progress at AFC Wimbledon will be monitored by Brighton's loans department, headed by Gordon Greer.