Albion have solved their long search for a permanent left-back by signing former Cameroon international Gaetan Bong.

The Seagulls have snapped up the powerful defender on a free transfer and given him a two-year deal after he ended last season on a short-term contract with relegated Wigan.

Bong, 27, impressed against Albion when they were beaten at the DW Stadium in April.

He began his career in France with FC Metz and then played for Valenciennes FC before 18 months in Greece with Olympiakos.

Boss Chris Hughton said: "Gaetan is a player that we were aware of before he came to England, while he was at Olympiakos in Greece.

"When he joined Wigan in February it provided us with the ideal opportunity to monitor his progress in England.

"That gave us a really good opportunity to watch him at close hand in the Championship, and we saw him a lot during that time and he was one of the outstanding players for them.

"Gaetan has played top-flight football in France and Greece, and has experience at international level - which has been key for us this summer.

"He is very athletic, he is a natural left-sided player, and it is important to have that balance in the squad."

Bong represented his country at the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa, having previously played for France at under-21 level.

He provides a permanent solution for Albion in a position they have filled with loan signings for the last three seasons - Wayne Bridge, Stephen Ward and Joe Bennett.

Bong is Albion's third signing of the summer following the captures of versatile former Hull right-back Liam Rosenior, also on a free transfer, and Israel international target man Tomer Hemed from Almeria for a seven-figure fee.