Arsenal striker Michelle Agyemang returns to Brighton on loan after Euro 2025 heroics with Lionesses | OneFootball

Michelle Agyemang has returned to Brighton loan after her heroics with England this summer

Michelle Agyemang will spend another season on loan at Brighton from Arsenal, despite her heroics for England at this summer’s Euro 2025.

The 19-year-old was called up for the tournament after scoring five goals in 22 appearances for the Seagulls last season.

She became a super-sub for Sarina Wiegman’s England squad, scoring vital equalisers in their victory over Sweden in the quarter-finals and in stoppage time against Italy in the semi-finals.

Agyemang, who also came off the bench against Spain in the final, was named as the Young Player of the Tournament.

Since then, she has also been nominated for the Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d’Or awards.

She showed why she could be a huge asset for Arsenal in the coming years. However, the Gunners have decided that a second year at Brighton will prove more beneficial for her development.

Why Michelle Agyemang is returning to Brighton for second loan spell

Arsenal’s Director of Women’s Football said that the Gunners believed a second year on loan at Brighton will prove beneficial for Michelle Agyemang.

Clare Wheatley told the club’s website: “We’re so proud of Michelle’s achievements this summer and throughout her journey at Arsenal, from her first steps in our academy through to our first-team squad.

“After discussing closely with Michelle and her family, we have all agreed that this move will provide Michelle with a further opportunity to develop and grow, as she continues to progress as a young player and person.

“We wish Michelle every success at Brighton and look forward to welcoming her back to Arsenal at the end of her loan.”

Brighton head coach Dario Vidosic was delighted to bring Agyemang back to the club after she helped the Seagulls finish fifth in the Women’s Super League last season.

Vidosic said: “We are thrilled to welcome Michelle back for another season. We loved working with her last year and seeing how much she progressed as part of the squad.

“What she achieved during the summer with England was incredible but not surprising. She has the character, work ethic and relentless nature of a champion. As a club we’re incredibly proud of her.”

Regular first-team football important for Agyemang’s progression

Part of the reason why Arsenal might have sent Michelle Agyemang on loan, is the fierce competition she would have had at the Gunners this season.

The teenager played a back-up role to Alessia Russo with England over the summer. Russo is also the starting striker for the Gunners, meaning Agyemang might have had to accept a super-sub role, much like she did with the Lionesses.

Arsenal’s attacking options also include the likes of Chloe Kelly, world record signing Olivia Smith, Stina Blackstenius, Mariona Caldentey and Beth Mead.

However, Mead could leave the club on a permanent deal this summer, with newly-promoted London City Lionesses interested in her signature.

When does the 2025-26 season start for Agyemang and Brighton?

Michelle Agyemang will likely play her first competitive game of her second loan spell at Brighton in their WSL opener on September 7th.

Brighton kick off the season at home against Aston Villa, before playing Manchester City, West Ham and Everton during the opening month of the campaign.

The Seagulls will also kick off their League Cup campaign against Portsmouth on September 24th.