FIVE ALIVE – Seagulls Flying
Can Brighton and Hove Albion soar again? Our writer Phoebe Music wouldn’t bet against it.
Head coach: Dario Vidošić (contracted until 2027)
New signings: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Goalkeeper, from Paris FC) – Nigeria; Moeka Minami (Defender, from Roma) – Japan; Manuela Vanegas Cataño – (Defender, from Real Sociedad) – Colombia; Maelys Mpome (Defender, from Chelsea) – France; Fuka Tsunoda (Midfielder, from Urawa Reds) – Japan; Carla Camacho (Forward, from Real Madrid) –Spain; Rosa Kafaji – (Forward on loan from Arsenal) – Sweden; Michelle Agyemang (Forward, from Arsenal on loan) – England.
Outlook: Brighton had their best ever WSL finish last term – ending the season in a respectable fifth place, with 35 league goals (top scorers Fran Kirby and Nikita Parris with seven apiece). For 2025-26 it’s all change with eight of last year’s squad, including captain Vicky Losada, leaving the club. Longest-serving member of the squad, 22-year-old midfielder Maisie Symonds, now takes the armband (above).
Fran Kirby’s experience – 14 trophies including seven league titles in her nine years at Chelsea – as well as her leadership will be crucial in this, her second season for the club. Japan’s Kiko Seike impressed hugely last season, after becoming the first player in WSL history to score a hat-trick on her debut and offers another commanding option in front of goal.
The club’s front line will be further strengthened by 19-year-old Lionesses hero Michelle Agyemang (below) who returns to the team after a first successful loan spell last season, hoping to add to her five goals in 22 appearances. As young player of the tournament at Euro 2025, she has shown exceptional form and flair, and fans will look forward to seeing her clinical finishing and fearless presence in the Seagulls’ attack again this season. Also on loan from Arsenal, Rosa Kafaji missed the final weeks of last season and the Euros due to ankle surgery, so it will be interesting to see how her comeback is managed.
The signing of Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is also sure to please fans. Helping the Super Falcons to secure their tenth WAFCON title this summer, she won the golden glove after conceding only two goals from open play across the tournament. Considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world, she has made 16 Champions League appearances and produced an outstanding performance in Paris FC’s 2025 Coupe de France win against PSG, saving two penalties. Her presence will contribute strongly to the team’s hopes of another top five finish.
Will finish: A surprise top five contender last season, Brighton will aim high again this year. With stability in management and plenty of new signings, I’d expect to see them in fifth place again.
Photos: Paul Hazlewood/Brighton
