Brighton Women have confirmed the signing of Norwegian midfielder Emilie Joramo on a free transfer from Hammarby, with the 24-year-old joining on July 1 when her contract expires.

The announcement arrived alongside reports that Switzerland captain Lia Wälti has already undergone a medical ahead of a move from Juventus, suggesting Dario Vidošić is building something genuinely exciting on the south coast.

This is exactly the kind of double statement that separates clubs with real aspirations from those merely treading water in the WSL. Pairing an exciting 24-year-old with 130-plus international caps worth of leadership in Wälti would be a masterstroke from Brighton, and Vidošić deserves enormous credit for the clarity of his recruitment vision.

Who Is Emilie Joramo?

Joramo arrives having made 85 appearances across three seasons at Hammarby, establishing herself as one of Scandinavia’s most dynamic midfielders. Before that, the Norwegian started her career with Rosenborg, earning Young Player of the Year recognition in the Toppserien as a teenager in 2020 before earning three senior international caps for Norway.

During her time in Stockholm, she contributed to Hammarby reaching the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup final and challenging for the Damallsvenskan title. Vidošić described her as a “good ball-winner, comfortable bursting through midfield and with a good range of passing” a profile that fits Brighton’s press-heavy system perfectly.

Wälti Medical Signals Imminent Second Arrival

While Joramo represents Brighton’s long-term thinking, Wälti would deliver immediate elite quality. The 33-year-old Switzerland captain left Arsenal after seven years in September 2025 to join Juventus but has spent just one season in Italy, with The Athletic reporting she was keen to return to the WSL.

Wälti won the WSL, the Champions League and two League Cups with Arsenal before moving to Turin, where she won the Supercoppa Italiana and Serie A Women’s Cup.

Brighton reached their first-ever FA Cup final last season before losing to Manchester City, and adding a midfielder of Wälti’s calibre alongside Joramo would signal genuine title ambitions rather than simply consolidating their top-four presence.

Also read: Wolves Women Sign Jasmine Matthews From Burnley as First Professional Era Recruit

Wolverhampton Wanderers Women have completed the signing of defender Jasmine Matthews from Burnley, marking their first summer addition ahead of their debut season in the Women’s Super League 2. The Cornwall-born defender joins on a two year deal from 1 July, bolstering Dan McNamara’s defensive options as the club prepares for professional football.

Matthews brings over 150 Women’s Super League appearances and a wealth of experience across the top tier. The defender previously played for Bristol City and Liverpool, where she enjoyed two spells and helped the Reds secure promotion from the Championship in 2022. She has also featured in UEFA Women’s Champions League competition with both clubs, demonstrating her ability to perform at elite level.

McNamara Identifies Proven Quality

McNamara praised Matthews’ attributes, highlighting her reputation for consistency, leadership and defensive reliability. The Wolves manager revealed that Matthews was identified as a target following their opening fixture against Burnley last season, with her quality evident from that first professional encounter.

The signing sends a clear message about Wolves’ ambitions during their inaugural professional campaign. Rather than focusing solely on young talent, the club are targeting experienced players capable of elevating standards and establishing winning mentality within the squad.

England Youth International Provides Leadership

Matthews represented England at under-17, under-19 and under-23 levels during her youth career, demonstrating her progression through the elite development pathway. Her appointment should provide crucial leadership and defensive solidity as Wolves navigate their first season in the second tier.

McNamara expressed confidence that Matthews will become a fan favourite while raising collective standards across the defensive unit.

Also read: England Goalkeeper Khiara Keating Turns Down Manchester City Contract as Playing Time Dries Up

Lola Ogunbote has left her position as head of women’s football at Burnley to pursue a new challenge, departing the club at the end of June. Ogunbote departs after five years overseeing the Clarets’ remarkable rise through the divisions, culminating in promotion to Women’s Super League 2 for the first time in the club’s history last season.

During her tenure, Ogunbote managed recruitment, player development, performance structures and overall football operations across the women’s department. Her most significant achievement came when Burnley won the Women’s National League without losing a game, a crowning moment that reflected the collective effort of everyone involved in the project.

Historic Achievement Overshadowed by Turbulence

While last season’s promotion represented a milestone achievement, the campaign proved turbulent off the pitch. Burnley cycled through four different managers during the season, creating instability within the coaching structure. The club also faced tragedy when former manager Matt Beard tragically took his own life a month after being placed on gardening leave.

Ogunbote’s leadership during these challenging circumstances demonstrated resilience and commitment to the project. Ross Wallace finished the season as interim manager, guiding the Clarets over the promotion line before being linked with an academy coaching role elsewhere.

Lasting Legacy at Turf Moor

Owner Alan Pace paid tribute to Ogunbote’s contribution, acknowledging her instrumental role in driving the women’s football vision forward and establishing a legacy that will benefit Burnley for years to come. Ogunbote expressed gratitude for the board’s unwavering support and the togetherness that enabled the women’s side to achieve historic success.

The club must now identify a successor to continue building on the foundations Ogunbote established during her transformative tenure.

Also read: Brighton Women Confirm Departures of Sophie Baggaley, Libby Bance and Rosa Kafaji After Historic FA Cup Final Season