Brighton sign ex-Barcelona captain Vicky Losada

Brighton have secured the statement signing of former Barcelona captain Vicky Losada as they look to kick on in the WSL in the upcoming 2023/24 season.

The Seagulls were in danger of relegation to the Women’s Championship last season, with key victories over Everton and West Ham in April and May respectively under new manager Melissa Phillips ultimately keeping them in the top flight.

Much like Leicester have also been busy in the transfer market after similarly narrowly beating the drop, Brighton have already completed the high profile signing of German forward Pauline Bremer.

Losada, who has agreed a long-term contract, now brings even more experience to the squad that saw five senior players let go as free agents at the end of June.

"We are very happy to welcome Vicky to Brighton and Hove Albion," Phillips said.

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"She'll bring an abundance of experience to the team both on and off the pitch in the new season ahead. She's achieved much success in her career and that will help drive the winning mentality within our squad. We are certain that her knowledge of the game will add to the identity that we are continuing to build as a group."

Losada developed at Barcelona's famed La Masia and had three spells at the club as a first-team player. In the latter of those, the midfielder lifted the Champions League trophy.

She is already well known to WSL audiences, having spent two seasons with Arsenal from 2015. Following her 2021 exit from Barcelona, Losada then joined Manchester City, although her time at the Etihad Campus was largely hampered by injuries. A short-term spell with an ambitious Roma side that reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League then followed.

The 2023/24 WSL season will kick off on Friday 29 September.