Brighton Women are without a manager a week before the Women's Super League season starts after Dario Vidosic's sudden exit. The Guardian reports the club is also finalising a deal for Manchester United defender Gabby George and has been tipped for a sixth-place finish this season.
Who will replace Dario Vidosic?
Vidosic left Brighton Women to pursue a new opportunity, the club confirmed this week. According to the BBC, his departure is a major blow after he led the team to a historic first Women's FA Cup final last season and a record fifth-placed WSL finish. Reports from Spain, cited by the BBC, suggest former Real Sociedad coach Arturo Ruiz is lined up as a potential replacement. Sources told the BBC that Vidosic could be heading to the National Women's Soccer League, with Angel City a likely destination. The Australian manager said he was "proud of what we have achieved together" in a club statement. Brighton Women host Arsenal in their WSL opener on 6 September, a fixture you can see on our fixtures page.
What does the Gabby George signing mean?
Brighton Women are closing in on the signing of defender Gabby George from Manchester United. The Guardian reported the deal for the 29-year-old, who can play at full-back, is for a six-figure fee. George enters the final year of her contract with United and is seeking regular first-team football. Her arrival would add experience to a defensive unit that has also been strengthened by the summer signing of Lia Wälti. George's versatility is seen as a key asset for a squad looking to build on last season's cup final run. The current defensive options are listed on our squad page.
How did pundits rate Brighton's prospects?
The Guardian's writers predicted a sixth-place finish for Brighton Women in the 2026-27 WSL season. This represents a slight improvement on last term's seventh-place finish. The preview noted the team's inconsistency was a downfall, exacerbated by a lack of a proven centre-forward. Despite this, the club's run to the FA Cup final and impressive wins over top sides provided a platform. The arrival of young attacking talents like Emily Murphy and Nadia Krezyman offers future promise. The full league standings from last season show the competitive nature of the WSL.
Who is new signing Jaouen Hadjam?
Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the signing of left-back Jaouen Hadjam from Swiss side Young Boys. The Athletic reported the deal is worth €12 million (£10.3m). The 23-year-old Algeria international has signed subject to regulatory processes. Sporting director Mike Cave said Hadjam's "pace, attacking output and technical abilities" fit the club's style well. The defender made 73 appearances in the Swiss Super League after joining from Nantes. His signing increases options in a defensive group that includes Ferdi Kadioglu and Maxim De Cuyper.
What is the latest off-field news?
The club has secured a four-year sponsorship deal with Pinterest, which becomes the first solo sponsor of the women's team. The partnership focuses on 'matchday style' for fans. Long-term plans for a new purpose-built women's football stadium next to the Amex continue, with a hoped opening for the 2030-31 campaign. This investment off the pitch comes during a period of significant change on it. The club must now navigate a managerial transition while integrating new signings ahead of a challenging opening fixture. The immediate focus is on preparing for Arsenal, with broader squad building ongoing.
