Brighton Women add Gabby George to ambitious defensive rebuild | OneFootball

Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the permanent signing of defender Gabby George from Manchester United Women for an undisclosed fee believed to reach six figures. That matters because the ambitious South Coast side have secured a highly experienced, ball-playing defender who brings proven Women’s Super League pedigree and defensive adaptability ahead of the new campaign.

Dario Vidosic Secures a Versatile Defender to Shape Brighton’s Build-Up

The 29-year-old was seeking regular game time after having a one-year contract extension option activated by United in January. For Brighton Women, under head coach Dario Vidosic, George represents a pivotal addition to a squad aiming to improve on last season’s seventh-place finish.

“We are delighted to welcome Gabby to the club,” said manager Dario Vidosic. “Her versatility in defence gives us fantastic options and her technical quality on the ball will help elevate how we want to play.”

“She understands what it takes to perform at the highest level in this league week-in, week-out, and her leadership both on and off the pitch will strengthen our group tremendously,” Vidosic added. “We have big ambitions for the season ahead and adding a player of Gabby’s calibre and character is a massive step forward for us.”

George Adds WSL Experience and Silverware to an Ambitious Squad

During her three-year stay with United, the defender made more than 50 appearances across all competitions and was part of the squad that won the Women’s FA Cup in 2024. Having graduated from Everton’s academy and played over 100 senior games for the Toffees, the three-cap Lioness brings established top-flight know-how to the Seagulls’ backline.

Her move represents one of the most prominent intra-league deals in current WSL transfers, following earlier interest as reported in She Kicks’ coverage of Gabby George’s prospective move to Brighton.

Recruitment Continues as Brighton Prepare for Their Season Opener Against Arsenal

George becomes the latest major arrival at Albion, following high-profile summer deals for Switzerland captain Lia Wälti, who joined from Juventus, and midfielder Emilie Joramo from Hammarby. That decision says plenty about how the Seagulls view their immediate trajectory in the WSL, with the club backing Vidosic to assemble a technically gifted side capable of competing at the top end of the table.

The defender’s departure also comes during a period of leadership change in Manchester, after United confirmed manager Marc Skinner left his role by mutual consent on Monday, as explored in our look at Manchester United’s management situation. Brighton open their league campaign at home to Arsenal on Sunday, 6 September, where George could be in line for an immediate debut.

It is a clear statement of ambition from Brighton. Now it needs to translate into on-pitch progress.