Brighton are set to sign England international Fran Kirby on a free transfer.
The 31-year-old is poised to join the club after her contract with Women’s Super League (WSL) champions Chelsea expired.
Kirby, who is widely considered one of England’s greatest female players, won five consecutive WSL titles with Chelsea before her departure.
It was announced in May that Kirby would leave Chelsea following a nine-year stint at the west London side.
She joined Chelsea from Reading in 2015 and went on to score 63 goals in 114 WSL appearances for the club.
GO DEEPER
Fran Kirby is part of Chelsea’s fabric. Her departure marks the end of a most glorious era
She was instrumental in Chelsea’s recent domestic success, securing 15 major trophies over her nine years. Her accolades include six WSL titles and a Champions League final appearance in 2021.
Kirby missed most of the 2019-20 season due to pericarditis, a heart condition, and was absent during the final stages of the 2021-22 campaign due to fatigue.
Her appearances in the 2022-23 season were limited by a knee injury, but she featured in 21 WSL matches last season.
On the international stage, Kirby has been a standout for England, scoring 19 goals in 72 caps for the Lionesses.
She played in every match at the European Championship,…
 champions Chelsea expired. Kirby, who is widely considered one of England’s greatest female players, won five consecutive WSL titles with Chelsea before her departure. It was announced in May that Kirby would leave Chelsea following a nine-year stint at the west London side. She joined Chelsea from Reading in 2015 and went on to score 63 goals in 114 WSL appearances for the club. GO DEEPERFran Kirby is part of...){kind=link}