Arsenal 22yo joins Brighton on loan | OneFootball

Rosa Kafaji joins Brighton on loan for the 2025/26 season, aiming for regular WSL football after injury disrupted her debut year in England.

Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images

Rosa Kafaji has left Arsenal to join Brighton & Hove Albion on a season-long loan for the 2025/26 campaign.

The Swedish international arrived in North London from BK Häcken in the summer of 2024, making 19 appearances in all competitions before an ankle injury sustained in the Champions League semi-final second leg against Lyon ended her season prematurely and forced her to miss Sweden’s Euro 2025 campaign.

Kafaji played a part in Arsenal’s successful Women’s Champions League run but struggled for consistent minutes in a squad stacked with attacking options. The move to Brighton is intended to give the 22-year-old regular Women’s Super League football and further her development in England.

Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images

Brighton head coach Dario Vidosic said, “We are excited to welcome Rosa to the squad for the season ahead. She’s a versatile attacker who shows plenty of promise in the front line.

“She’s a fantastic addition to the team for our new campaign and we’re excited to see her integrate within our squad and style of play.”

The south coast club confirmed the signing on 11 August, with Kafaji expected to be available for their opening league fixture.

For Arsenal, the loan ensures one of their brightest young forwards gains valuable top-flight experience without severing long-term ties.