ELVIS MANU is bracing himself for a tough transition into English football with Albion.

The new attacker from Feyenoord expects life to be much harder than in the Dutch first division (Eredivise), which he thrived in last season.

Manu, 22, said: “The Championship is harder, faster and the Dutch League is more about playing football on the ground, creating chances and building up from the back to the front.

“The Championship is more direct and in the beginning it will be tough for me but I will have to get used to it as soon as possible.”

Manu has fulfilled a lifelong ambition with his £1.5 million move to the Amex on a three-year contract.

The Dutch under-21 international, whose parents are from Ghana, said: “It has always been the biggest dream of mine to play in England.

“Every young boy from abroad has a dream to play for a team in England and when I got this opportunity I didn’t think twice.

“I’m very excited. It’s a great move for me and I hope to fit into the team as soon as possible.

“From the first meeting I had, the people here gave me a great feeling about the club.

“I was so surprised when I came here to see the training ground for the first time and I’m very excited to come here and prove myself.

“From the very beginning, I had a good feeling about coming here and that this was a perfect move for me.

“I knew that Brighton was a club that was developing with a new stadium and training ground. I spoke to a few people that knew the club already and they gave me a good feeling.”

Albion fought off competition from Watford, Sporting Lisbon and Bayer Leverkusen to land Manu, who can play as a winger or striker.

He notched 14 goals in 37 outings for Feyenoord last season in Eredivisie, the Champions League and Europa League.

“I am someone that looks for the shortest way to go to the goal,” he said. “I love scoring goals and I hope I can bring that to the team.”