Earlier this year, Fran Kirby announced that after nearly a decade at Chelsea, she would be leaving the club. This week, the legendary midfielder revealed where she will be playing next.
Brighton Women confirmed on Thursday that they had signed Fran Kirby on a free transfer. This is a massive coup for the Seagulls.
Kirby is one of the best British women’s footballers of all time. She played an instrumental part in turning Chelsea into the women’s football powerhouse that they are today. In the 2020/21 season, she was a part of the Chelsea side that won England’s first ever domestic quadruple.
A year later, Kirby started all seven of England’s Euro 2022 matches, helping the Lionesses win their first European Championship. Two of those matches were at the Amex Stadium, the home of Brighton’s men’s team.
Injuries have taken a toll on Kirby recently. She missed most of the 2022/23 season with a knee injury. Kirby started just 9 of Chelsea’s 22 WSL matches last season. She featured in only half of the Blues’ Champions League fixtures.
If Kirby can stay healthy for Brighton, she has the potential to quickly become the best player in club history. The timing of her arrival at Broadfield Stadium also increases her chances of becoming a Brighton great.
The Albion have struggled in the WSL in recent years. Club legend Hope Powell stepped down as manager in October 2022 when the club were in 11th place after a terrible 8-0 loss to Tottenham. Her replacement, former Bayern boss Jens Scheuer, lasted just 65 days in the job.
A combination of interim manager Amy Merricks and new permanent boss Melissa Phillips narrowly guided Brighton away from relegation. In the 2023/24 season, Brighton again were relegation candidates. Phillips was sacked midway through the season.
It is a lot to expect from one player, but Kirby could provide the much-needed spark and quality the Seagulls need to re-establish themselves as a solid mid-table WSL club.
