Lionesses Euro 2025 hero Michelle Agyemang returns to Brighton from Arsenal for second loan spell

After an impressive debut campaign in the Women's Super League last season with Brighton, Agyemang was picked in the Lionesses squad for the European Championship. The 19-year-old went to Switzerland to take part in her first-ever major international tournament, and turned out to be a star for the eventual champions. She scored two important goals against Sweden and Italy in the quarter-final and semi-final clashes, inspiring her team to stage epic comebacks.

Many at Arsenal believed that, after her impressive form for the national team, the teenager would represent her girlhood club in the 2025-26 campaign. The north London side, however, has sent Agyemang back on loan to Brighton, with England team-mate Alessia Russo and Sweden's Stina Blackstenius ahead of her in the pecking order.

On re-signing Agyemang, Sea Gulls boss Dario 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. She was a pivotal part of our record-breaking season last year and we’re excited for what this new season looks like with her in our attack."

The official statement from Arsenal read: "Michelle Agyemang has joined Brighton & Hove Albion on loan for the 2025/26 season. The 19-year-old forward – who has been with Arsenal since the age of six – will continue her development with Dario Vidosic’s side this season, having also spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan with the Seagulls. Michelle enjoyed a positive season with Brighton last year, scoring five goals in 22 appearances to earn a nomination for the WSL’s Rising Star award. Michelle’s strong development was recognised with a call-up to the England squad for the 2025 UEFA European Championship, and everyone at Arsenal was thrilled and proud to see Michelle named Young Player of the Tournament, having scored two goals in four appearances to help the Lionesses clinch the trophy. Michelle has made six first-team appearances for us so far, scoring one goal. Her debut came during our WSL victory over Leicester City in November 2022."

The reigning European champions will play their final pre-season friendly against West Ham on August 27, before facing London City Lionesses on September 6 in their season opener.