Brighton chase striker to replace Agyemang as Vidosic eyes cup glory

Brighton & Hove Albion Women need a proven centre‑forward after the ACL injury to loanee Michelle Agyemang left them without a true striker, a gap that hampered their 2025‑26 campaign, which saw Brighton finish seventh in the Women’s Super League and reach their first FA Cup final at Wembley.

Scoring void after Agyemang injury

Kiko Seike finished as Brighton’s top scorer in the league with eight goals, the only Seagull in the Women’s Super League top‑20 for goals and assists. The absence of a natural centre‑forward left the side reliant on midfield runners for goals.

Brighton’s only league victory over the champions Manchester City last season demonstrated their potential when they could break down top defences. Their inconsistency, highlighted by a heavy defeat to Manchester City at Wembley in the FA Cup final, underscored the need for a clinical finisher.

Vidosic’s blueprint and squad overhaul

Entering his third season, Dario Vidosic is the second‑longest serving manager in the Women’s Super League, providing the stability the club lacked previously. The 39‑year‑old Croatian‑born Australian has implemented an aggressive pressing and possession‑based system to compete with larger clubs.

The summer saw seven new faces arrive while departures were limited to four, with Lia Wälti and Gabby George adding experience to the back line. Republic of Ireland midfielder Emily Murphy and Poland forward Nadia Krezyman provide youthful attacking options. Their international experience is expected to broaden Brighton’s attacking options.

Photograph: Steve Bardens/Getty ImagesDario Vidosic captured the optimism of the squad after reaching the historic FA Cup final. The image reflects the belief that the club is on the right track despite the FA Cup defeat at Wembley. He has never hidden his desire to bring silverware to Brighton, saying the final gave him a taste of the steps required.

Off‑field growth and upcoming fixtures

Pinterest became the first solo sponsor of the women’s team with a four‑year partnership focused on ‘matchday style’ fan engagement. Plans are under way for Europe’s first purpose‑built women’s football stadium beside the Amex, targeted to open for the 2030‑2031 campaign.

Brighton will open the season against Renée Slegers’s side at Crawley’s Broadfield Stadium on 6 September, a fixture described as the toughest of their first four games. Guardian on GoogleGuardian writers predicted a sixth‑place finish, noted as NB: this is not necessarily Sophie Downey’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips. A draw against Arsenal earlier in the season highlighted their ability to compete with top sides.

The club introduced an Amex 4‑Match Pack priced at £45 for adults and a ‘Built For Her’ membership offering exclusive perks as they prepare for the stadium move. Wälti said, “Brighton is not a team that has to hide… we’re not going to be favourites in every single game, but that’s a nice position to be in.”