Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed that new signing Rodrigo Rêgo will spend the 2026/27 season on loan at Spanish side Castellón, just weeks after completing his permanent move from Benfica.
The Portuguese winger joined the Seagulls earlier this summer in a deal worth €3.5 million, with Benfica retaining a percentage of any future transfer. Despite signing a five-year contract at the Amex Stadium, Brighton have opted to send the 21-year-old out on loan to accelerate his development through regular first-team football.
Castellón, who compete in Spain’s Segunda División, narrowly missed promotion to La Liga last season after reaching the play-offs.
Brighton prioritise Rêgo’s development
Brighton’s decision reflects the club’s well-established strategy of giving promising young players consistent senior experience before integrating them into the first team.
Sporting director Mike Cave explained the reasoning behind the move after the loan was confirmed.
“We have high expectations for Rodrigo and are looking forward to seeing him have the opportunity to play regularly at first-team level. We will follow his progress closely throughout the season.”
The loan should provide Rêgo with valuable experience in a competitive environment as Brighton continue to monitor his adaptation to senior football.
Benfica academy graduate ready for next step
Rêgo joined Benfica from Famalicão ahead of the 2022/23 campaign and progressed through the club’s academy, featuring for the under-23s and Benfica B before making his senior debut under José Mourinho in November 2025.
He went on to make five first-team appearances last season, including a UEFA Champions League outing against Ajax, while also playing 21 matches for Benfica B.
A season in Spain now offers the winger the chance to establish himself at senior level before returning to Brighton to compete for a place in Fabian Hürzeler’s squad.
Key Points
Brighton signed Rodrigo Rêgo from Benfica for €3.5 million this summer.
The Portuguese winger has joined Castellón on a season-long loan.
Benfica retained a percentage of any future transfer.
Rêgo made five senior appearances for Benfica last season, including in the Champions League.
Brighton want the 21-year-old to gain regular first-team experience in Spain.
What’s next?
Rêgo will join Castellón for pre-season before beginning the 2026/27 Segunda División campaign, where Brighton expect him to play regularly. The Seagulls will closely monitor his development throughout the season before deciding whether he is ready to challenge for a place in their first-team squad next summer.
Do you think a season in Spain is the ideal next step for Rodrigo Rêgo, or should Brighton have kept him closer to the Premier League squad?