Women’s Super League 2025-26 previews No 3: Brighton | OneFootball

Guardian writers’ predicted position: 5th (NB: this is not necessarily Sophie Downey’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips)

Last season’s position: 5th

Prospects

After securing an impressive fifth-placed finish in Dario Vidosic’s first season, Brighton look increasingly settled, with historical management troubles firmly behind them and a clear identity shining through.

It was a season of learning for their head coach as the team got off to an impressive start, then experienced a dip before finishing relatively strongly. An eye-catching victory over Arsenal and valiant 2-2 draw with the champions, Chelsea, were highlights. They made Crawley’s Broadfield Stadium into a fortress, losing only two games there, and secured a club record 28 points in a WSL season.

There has continued to be considerable player turnover as Vidosic develops his side. Ten outgoings have included the loss of some considerable experience. The departures of the club captain, Vicky Losada, and the forward Pauline Bremer were perhaps the least surprising with game time limited but they have left a knowledge gap. The loss of the defensive pairing of Maria Thorisdóttir and Guro Bergsvand raised eyebrows, particularly in the case of the vice-captain Bergsvand, who started every game of the campaign. The real shock, however, came with the announcement that Nikita Parris, a key figure in Vidosic’s attack, had moved to London City Lionesses.

Replacements have been found, however, and the transfer activity has been astute. The Japan defender Moeka Minami brings a wealth of knowledge while the signings of Maelys Mpomé and Colombia’s left-back Manuela Vanegas were shrewd. Chiamaka Nnadozie adds world-class quality in goal and the 20-year-old Spanish forward Carla Camacho is an exciting prospect. Persuading Michelle Agyemang to return for another loan will be regarded as a coup after the youngster’s summer with England. She is joined by her Arsenal teammate Rosa Kafaji, whose raw talent is clear but who is in desperate need of game time.

Brighton have had a strong pre-season to date. After a 5-0 win over Crystal Palace, they departed for Spain, where they beat CF Alhama 2-1 before putting eight past Levante without reply. Hosting duties await on opening day as Aston Villa visit and Vidosic will regard it as a real opportunity to set down a marker.

The manager

Vidosic’s style became clear very early, his desire for his team to have the ball and attack with intent shining through. Brighton registered the fourth-highest average possession in the league last season (53.1%) and the second-highest shot conversion rate (19.1%). It was, however, a season of development for the former Australia international. Heavy defeats by Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United were a wakeup call regarding the need to develop defensive resilience, although injuries played a part. There is no doubt that important foundations have been set for the 38-year-old to build on.

Off-field picture

Brighton continue to receive impressive support behind the scenes. Their training facility remains one of the WSL’s best and the club continue to invest in the playing squad and staff and to develop their player pathway. News is expected soon about progress made on the ambition to build a stadium for the women’s team in Brighton. The council approved the plans in 2023 and Brighton’s chief executive, Paul Barber, has said the 2027-28 season is a realistic goal for it to be finished. Bringing the team back to Brighton is key if they are to continue building an invested fanbase.

Star signing

Nnadozie could go down as one of the acquisitions of the summer. The Nigeria international brings top quality after a summer to remember. She played an integral role in the Super Falcons’ 10th Africa Cup of Nations title in July and was named Wafcon’s best goalkeeper. She arrives after five successful years in France, where she helped Paris FC make their first appearance in the Champions League for a decade. She left after helping Paris to a Coupe de France victory over Paris Saint-Germain, with Nnadozie saving two penalties in the shootout.

Stepping up

Maisie Symonds appeared to have put battles with illness and injury behind her last season with a series of impressive displays for club and country. At 22, she is Brighton’s longest-serving player and will be looking to establish herself consistently at the heart of the team. A versatile midfielder, she can play as a No 6 or an 8 with her composure, technical ability and strength in a challenge. A series of standout performances for Brighton and England’s Under-23s earned a first Lionesses call-up in March.

It was a good summer for …

Agyemang was one of the emerging stars of the summer. The 19-year-old played an influential role from the bench at Euro 2025, scoring an equaliser for the Lionesses against Sweden and Italy in the quarter-final and semi-final respectively. Her performances earned her the Euro 2025 young player of the tournament award. It has been a meteoric rise for the forward, who went from earning her first senior cap in April, marked by an unforgettable strike, to becoming a European champion and household name less than four months later. She will be looking for more game time than she got last season as she continues her development on loan from Arsenal.

Main initiative to attract more fans

Brighton will continue to play most home matches in Crawley. Season tickets went on sale in May and included an invitation to an open training session, proprietary access to cup and away games and free coach travel to Broadfield Stadium. There is also a new season-ticket option for under-10s. The “atmosphere section” has been moved to the East Stand to maximise its impact.

Header image: [Photograph: Nigel French/PA]