Tomasz Kuszczak has turned down the chance to stay in the Premier League to sign for Albion.

The former Manchester United goalkeeper and Poland international became the Seagulls’ first signing of the summer last night on a free transfer.

He has penned a two-year deal after featuring on loan for Championship rivals Watford last season and securing his release from Old Trafford on a free transfer.

His decision represents quite a coup for Albion. They have seen off hot competition from both at home and abroad for the services of the experienced 30-year-old, who topped Ipswich’s wanted list and was also wanted back by Watford.

Kuszczak revealed in an exclusive interview with The Argus: “There was some interest from clubs in the Premier League. I had a few offers from England and different countries in Europe but I decided to sign here.

“I love the Premier League and I want to play in the Premier League in the future. That is why I have signed for Brighton, because I think they have got a big chance of going up in the near future.

“They are a very good team with big prospects. I’ve played against them and I like the way they play. Their passing game is different to the way most Championship teams play.

“The whole structure club of the club is great. It’s not the most well-known club in England but it is growing very quickly. The stadium is fantastic and the new training ground is going to be one of the best in England. I decided I want to be part of it. I like a new challenge.”

Landing a goalkeeper of Kuszczak’s calibre solves a headache for manager Gus Poyet.

He used four different custodians last season. Casper Ankergren started as No. 1 before losing his place to Newcastle loanee Steve Harper. Peter Brezovan then took over and Colombian David Gonzalez, signed on a short-term contract, played in the final game of the campaign at Barnsley.

Poyet told The Argus: “Now one of the main positions is sorted. He is a great competitor and personality. I am sure he is going to make Peter and Casper even better so we are completely covered in goal.

“Last year we made a few changes. We used four different goalkeepers. Let’s hope we’ll have a bit of consistency this year. That was the key the year before (in League One) with Casper and the back four.

“It was a tough deal to complete. Tomasz had plenty of options but we have done very well so I’m very pleased.

“We knew right from the beginning Watford wanted him, because he did very well for them at the end of last season. The options kept coming for him in the last few days and it became more complicated.”

The 6ft 3in Kuszczak made more than 60 appearances for Manchester United.

He began his career in the youth team of Slask Wroclaw in his native Poland before moving to lower league German outfit Uerdingen in 1999.

He signed for Bundesliga club Hertha BSC two years later but did not make a first team appearance before moving to West Brom in 2004.

After catching the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson towards the end of his first season in English football, Kuszczak moved to Manchester United, initially on a season-long loan, and then permanently for £2.1m in July 2007.

He became frustrated at Old Trafford after Ferguson signed David de Gea to replace the retired Edwin van der Sar, with Anders Lindegaard also ahead of him in the pecking order.

Released after starting 43 games in six seasons, the Poland international capped ten times by his country ended last season on loan at Watford and was disappointed not to be selected for the European Championships co-hosted by his home nation.