Maty Ryan reckons he will fit in perfectly with Albion – after becoming their record signing.

The Australian international goalkeeper has agreed a five-year deal and will officially become a Seagulls player on July 1.

He is moving from Valencia for a fee believed to be about £5 million and will link up with his new team mates next month after enjoying a summer break.

Ryan is in Russia with the Socceroos as they compete in the Confederations Cup.

But he has done his homework, talking to Albion boss Chris Hughton, goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts as well as fellow Aussies who have played in England.

Ryan, 25, said: “It’s still a little surreal trying to think I will be going there and playing in the Premier League. It’s a very exciting challenge.

“Ever since the interest came up and the communication has been there, the plan just seemed to be getting better and better.

“It’s a project that sounds really exciting and I guess to make the decision to go there was an easy one in the end because of the direction the club is going in and the goals they are setting.

“From all I have heard it’s an exciting time to be around the club and I’m looking forward to getting over there after the Confeds Cup.

“I knew there was some interest in the past when they were in the Championship.

“Since they have come up, the common theme of the conversations about Brighton is what a place it is to live – on the South Coast of England.

“Everyone talks about it being a beautiful place and probably some of the best weather England has to offer.

“That is always a bit of a bonus but obviously I’m there for football.

“Rain, hail or shine I will be there to try to contribute the best I can and hopefully help the team to some successes along the way.”

Ryan is considered a very modern goalkeeper with his use of the ball.

He said: “Talking with the manager and goalkeeping coach before signing, and speaking to some of the Aussie boys who play in the Championship, they say they are one of the teams that like to play football out from the back.

“I like to think that is one of my strengths. I am pretty comfortable with the ball at my feet.

“I can hopefully use that aspect of my game to help the team and play some good football from the back, play through the lines and hopefully create chances.

“It is important to be a good shot-stopper as well.

“I will work hard when I get over there and hopefully contribute to the team on matchday.

“If I am needed to pull off a save then hopefully I can be there for the team.”

He added: “Every game is a challenge whether they are newly promoted or whether they are a mainstay.

“From watching and talking to boys who have played in the Premier League, it is really competitive.

“I relish that sort of situation.”