Leon Balogun believes his game is perfectly suited to the Premier League.

But he is not pressurising himself to make the same impact for Albion as former Bundesliga rival Pascal Gross.

A year ago the Seagulls made Gross their first signing of the summer from relegated Ingolstadt.

He starred in the No.10 role and was voted player of the season by supporters as Chris Hughton's side survived with two games to spare.

Now Albion have made centre-back Balogun their first signing this summer ahead of a second campaign in the top flight.

The 29-year-old completed a free transfer move from Mainz yesterday afternoon on a two-year deal before heading off to Nigeria for their preparations for next month's World Cup in Russia and friendlies against Congo and England at Wembley.

Balogun has been on Albion's radar for some time. "I know they have been watching me for quite a while now and it has always been my dream to come to the Premier League," he said.

"Ever since I started playing at a professional level a lot of team-mates told me it would fit my game and I am happy it's just happened.

"We don't get to see the Premier League in Germany on a regular basis. I try to watch it sometimes. I think I know a little bit about it.

"The Bundesliga is very competitive but the Premier League is even a bit more competitive.

"You have a lot of very high class individual players. You have them in Germany as well but everything is much tighter in the table. Apart from the top six every team can beat everyone.

"Some sensations are possible too, like Brighton did against Manchester United. I think it is just the most exciting league in the world, the fans, the football culture, everything about it is just interesting."

The Argus: Gross (above) scored the goal against United at the Amex that ensured Albion would stay up.

"I played against him so I know him," said Balogun. "I also know his agent. I wouldn't say we are close friends but we know each other because his agent is from Berlin, just like me.

"His set pieces were always very dangerous, especially in Germany. He scored a couple of free-kicks. I know he is not the quickest but he is a very intelligent football player. I know his one signature move (Cruyff turn). That is also what our coaches prepared us for when we played against him so we didn't fall for it.

"Of course, I would like to do the same. If it went that way I'd be more than pleased but I am not pressurising myself that way. I just want to come in, have a good start and just bring 100 per cent of me to the team. Hopefully I will be able to participate in the success of the team."

Balogun will have to get past Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy first, a task which has proved difficult for Uwe Huenemeier (below) and Connor Goldson.

The Argus: Albion moved early again in the summer transfer window to secure the services of Balogun following Huenemeier's return to Germany with Paderborn and the interest from Glasgow Rangers in an increasingly frustrated Goldson.

Balogun knows trying to dislodge Duffy or Dunk will be a challenge. "I think I have to find that out once I start training with the team and play some friendlies," he said.

"Of course, you have to pay respect to what they have done when they got promoted and this season. They have done an amazing job but I am optimstic everyone will be happy (with him)."

The Premier League will be a test too, of course, one which Balogun (below) is relishing. Albion impressed him with their desire to sign him.

The Argus: He said: "In the game it will be challenging but I don't think of the challenge now, just the opportunity. You always want to mess with the best. In Germany you have the top teams Bayern, Dortmund and Schalke, but you can beat them.

"In the Premier League you have six, maybe seven, very great competition.

"I think it was the last exit I could take, from Germany into England. It has always been my dream and I had to grab the chance.

"I like the way Brighton went after me. It always makes you feel comfortable if you get the feeling that a club really, really wants you.

"They were I won't say quite pushy - that would be disrespectful - but I could just feel they wanted me to join the team."

Mainz narrowly avoided relegation from the Bundesliga. Balogun made 15 appearances for them this season, partly due to minor injuries towards the start and finish.

"It has been unsteady, in and out, also depending on what system we played," he said. "It was characteristic of the whole season for the whole team."

Albion will hope the German-born Nigerian they have signed will be a steadying influence when called upon, like the German they have just lost.