Constancy Sport

By Emma Nicholls

After Arsenal’s Champions League glory last season, they had a surprisingly quiet transfer window although they had a handful of key moves in order to strengthen the squad.

Young Gunners Cecily Wellesley-Smith and Jessie Gale both committed their futures to the club by signing their first professional contracts.

After a highly successful loan spell throughout the second half of last season, Chloe Kelly has rejoined Arsenal permanently. The forward, who rediscovered her love for the game back in North London, will add attacking depth and experience ahead of the new season.

Arsenal dipped into the WSL market, signing Liverpool duo Taylor Hinds and Olivia Smith.

Olivia Smith, a 21-year-old midfielder arrives for a record breaking fee. Smith also holds the record for being Canada’s all time youngest player after making her debut for the national team at the age of 15 in 2019.

Taylor Hinds makes a return to the Gunners after 8 years away. Having joined the academy in 2010 at just the age of 11. She continued to impress at the club and broke into the first team during the 2017/2018 season before moving on to develop her career. Now back as a Jamaican international, the versatile midfielder will bring maturity and resilience to the squad.

Arsenal also added experience between the sticks, with the arrival of German goalkeeper Anneke Borbe who joined the club from Wolfsburg.

Departures:

Alongside the arrivals, Arsenal also saw several outgoings.

Michelle Ageymang and Rosa Kafaji have been loaned out to Brighton while Laila Harbert has joined Portland Thorns on loan.

Following successful loan spells at London City Lionesses, Teyah Goldie and Freya Godfrey have now made their moves permanent.

Laura Wienrother has also completed a permanent transfer to Manchester City, after impressing during her loan spell.

Meanwhile, Lina Hurtig has signed for Fiorentina and Amanda Illestedt has signed for Frankfurt.

Although it’s not yet confirmed, it’s looking increasingly likely that Lia Walti will join Italian side Juventus before the transfer window closes, bringing a close to her seven year spell at Arsenal.

Chloe Kelly playing for Arsenal Women against Brighton. Photo: Charlotte Neal for Constancy Sport

Mayles Mpome

Brighton & Hove Albion have secured the services of French defender Mayles Mpome. The 22-year-old joins the club after a season with Chelsea, where she was part of the domestic treble-winning squad, making eight appearances in all competitions. Before her time in England, Mpome was a key player for Montpellier, where she became a regular starter and made over 70 appearances.

On the international front, Mpome has consistently represented France’s youth teams, from the U-17s to the U-23s, highlighting her talent and potential. Her consistent selection for the French youth teams and a call-up to a senior squad camp earlier in 2025 suggest she is a promising prospect for the future.

Rosa Kafaji – (On loan from Arsenal)

She signed a long-term contract for the Gunners in 2024 but spent the majority of last season on the bench due to Arsenal’s stacked midfield. She’s made 10 appearances for Arsenal, scoring twice.

Kafaji is the future of Sweden. She made her debut in 2023, subbing on against Italy in a 1-1 draw. Since then, she has made 12 appearances for Sweden and scored twice. She was set to appear at the women’s Euros, but unfortunately, she was ruled out of the competition due to an ankle injury. But is sure to perform for Brighton this season.

Carla Camacho

Carla Camacho’s arrival is a great addition for Brighton & Hove Albion, as the club secures a promising young forward for the Women’s Super League. Camacho, who previously played for Orcasitas and Atlético de Madrid, spent four seasons at Real Madrid, where she was promoted to the first team. Her experience at one of the world’s biggest clubs provides her with a strong foundation to build upon as she begins a new chapter in English football.

On the international stage, Camacho has been a key player for Spain’s youth national teams, with an impressive list of achievements. She was a member of the Spain U-17 team that won the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and also finished as a runner-up in the 2022 UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship, where she earned the Golden Boot. The following year, she continued her success by helping the Spain U-19 team win the 2023 UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship.

Chiamaka Nnadozie

Joining from Paris FC, Nnadozie brings a wealth of experience in the top flight, including valuable Champions League game time. Beyond her club success, she has also racked up numerous individual honours, including the COF Goalkeeper of the Year award and a place in the WAFCON Team of the Tournament.

She has been a key player for the Super Falcons since joining the team at just 19 years old, making 45 appearances since 2018. During that time, she has competed in the 2023 World Cup and 2024 Olympics, while also helping her team win gold at the 2018 and 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON), as well as the 2019 African Games.

Grace McNewan – First Contract

Grace McEwen’s addition to Brighton’s squad is a significant one, as the club has secured a promising young defender. Having progressed through Charlton Athletic’s academy, she signed for Brighton in 2023 and made her first-team debut in an FA Cup match in early 2024.

Last season, McEwen was on loan at Portsmouth to gain senior experience, where her time was cut short after she ruptured her ACL. Women’s and girls’ academy manager Perry Northeast said, “She’s had a challenging few months since her injury, but she has shown great professionalism and is making positive strides in her rehab, and we’re looking forward to seeing her back on the pitch with her teammates very soon.”

Michelle Agyemang – Loan

England’s stargirl is back at Brighton, signing on loan for another season. This summer, she made sure everyone knew her name, really becoming the saviour of the nation. She was England’s super sub, saving them by scoring last-minute goals and providing game-winning assists. At just 19, she’s become a European Champion, when a couple of months previously, she hadn’t even made her England debut.

Brighton will be happy to keep her for the 25/26 season, previously played for them last season. Before that, she was on a dual registration at Watford, where she made 9 appearances and scored 4 goals.

Brighton & Hove Albion Women at the end of the 24/25 season. Photo: BHAFCW