Fran Kirby joins WSL club following Chelsea's emotional exit

admin July 4, 2024

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Fran Kirby joins WSL club following Chelsea's emotional exit

Former Chelsea player Fran Kirby has signed with Brighton & Hove Albion to stay within the WSL for the next chapter of his illustrious career.

The 31-year-old England international bid farewell to the Blues at the end of last season, having made himself a fixture at the club by winning seven WSL titles and eight other trophies since 2015.

There has been interest from clubs in the United States and Scandinavia, with Tottenham Hotspur and newly promoted Crystal Palace the main options for Kirby to stay in London. But his new team is not that far from the south coast.

For Kirby, both staying in the WSL and finding a club he was happy with were important factors. It's also a chance to meet former Chelsea team-mate Maria Thorisdottir, who joined the Seagulls from Manchester United last summer.

“I wanted to stay in the league and when I spoke to Brighton and obviously my old partner, Maria, it was really interesting discussions about the club's ambitions going forward,” Kirby told Brighton's official website.

While England winner Katie Robinson has moved on and 2023/24 top scorer Elisabeth Terland is set to join Manchester United, Brighton have already brought in Dutch defender Marisa Olislagers and Japanese striker Kiko Seike this week alone.

“I think you can see the signings that have been announced in the last few days where the club sees themselves. And for me, it was nice to hear that kind of love from the football team and part of another job and come in as an older, more experienced player,” explained Kirby.

“I'm a competitive coach, I'm a competitive player. I wanted to go where I could maintain my level and help bring them to another team. I wanted to stay in this league because I still want to have a competitive week in. A week off and as long as I can help the team improve, that's what I want to do.

“When I spoke to the people in Brighton they told me how far behind Tony Bloom is in the women's game and how much they want to invest in it and take it forward and see the facilities here, for me it was an exciting opportunity. and one I really couldn't refuse.”