Fran Kirby signs for Brighton! Chelsea icon's new club announced with England international staying in WSL

Kirby left Chelsea at the end of the season and has now completed a move to Brighton and Hove Albion. The England international has spent her entire career in the south of England and will be able to remain close to home after switching to the Blues' WSL rivals.

Brighton finished ninth in the WSL this season and Kirby's arrival is a huge coup. The England international won Euro 2022 with the Lionesses, and also played a key role in the Blues winning five consecutive WSL titles.

Brighton are targeting a top-four finish next season and Kirby's acquisition could prove pivotal to their chances. She has scored 63 goals in 114 WSL games throughout her career.

Brighton are aiming to establish themselves as a top WSL team, and the arrival of the experienced Kirby will go on a long way to achieving that.

The club's managing director of women’s and girls’ football Zoe Johnson said: "We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Fran to the club. She arrives as one of the most decorated English footballers of all time, playing an integral role in Chelsea's recent dominance, as well as on the international stage having been a part of England’s EURO 2022 win.

"Her experience on the pitch will be just as important off it and we have no doubt that she will help us take a significant step towards our long-term targets."