Brighton have rejected three bids from Juventus for Fran Kirby as the Serie A club intensifies their pursuit of the former England international.

Despite the player’s reported openness to a switch to Italy, the WSL outfit remain unwilling to negotiate, viewing the 32 year old as irreplaceable in their attacking ranks.

Italian reporter Mauro Munno claimed that Kirby has given the green light for a move to Juventus, but Brighton are determined to keep their star asset. The club considers Kirby non transferable at this stage of the season, with transfer negotiations showing no signs of progressing.

Why Juventus Came Calling

Juventus are desperate to address their goalscoring problems in Italy. The Bianconeri sit second in the Women’s Serie A behind Roma but have only scored 10 goals in nine games, a record worse than six other clubs in the eleven team league. This defensive vulnerability has left them five points adrift of leaders Roma, despite maintaining the league’s best defensive record.

Kirby presents an experienced solution to their attacking woes. Since joining Brighton in summer 2024, she has scored 11 goals and provided three assists in 30 appearances. While her output is lower than her Chelsea days, when she netted 105 goals in 192 matches, her presence would still significantly boost Juventus’s second half campaign and their upcoming Champions League playoff against Wolfsburg.

Brighton’s Stance Remains Resolute

Brighton cannot afford to lose Kirby given their current injury concerns. Michelle Agyemang’s season ending ACL injury has depleted their attacking options, and losing another key player would seriously damage their hopes of maintaining last season’s top half finish. Manager Dario Vidosic has made clear his desire to keep the experienced attacker at the Amex.

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Dario Vidosic expressed significant frustration after Brighton’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on January 12, 2026. Two second-half goals from Rachel Daly and Kirsty Hanson within 60 seconds snatched victory from the Seagulls after Fuka Tsunoda had put Brighton ahead earlier in the match.

Vidosic was particularly disappointed by his team’s defensive lapses and loss of control during the second half, believing Brighton had thrown away a winnable game through poor decision-making.

First-Half Promise Wasted

Vidosic acknowledged that Brighton dominated the opening 45 minutes and created sufficient chances to establish a commanding lead. He praised their performance with and without the ball, but lamented their inability to convert opportunities into additional goals.

The Brighton manager stressed that not capitalizing on first half dominance left them vulnerable heading into the second period when Aston Villa typically applies transition-based pressure through their quick attacking opportunities.

Defensive Discipline Breakdown

The manager was critical of Brighton’s second-half performance, particularly how they began the period poorly and lost control of the game. Vidosic highlighted that Brighton forced passes and played long balls when their spacing was inadequate.

Most frustratingly, he pointed out that they conceded from a free-kick in an area where Brighton practice extensively and have proven strong defensively. Within one minute, the same defensive mistake happened again when Hanson scored immediately after Daly’s opening, giving Vidosic legitimate cause for disappointment at repeated lapses in concentration.

Missing Quality in the Squad

Despite the loss, Vidosic praised Brighton’s overall football and tactical approach, indicating that the squad lacks only marginal quality improvements. He believed Villa are a dangerous team but Brighton’s brand of football remained evident throughout the match.

His comments suggested that January transfer window activity targeting recruitment could help erase the small tactical errors that cost Brighton victory. Vidosic remains committed to his progressive playing philosophy while acknowledging that championship-winning teams capitalize on opportunities and maintain defensive discipline consistently.

Also read: Brighton and Hove Albion Sign Norwegian International Midfielder Olaug Tvedten From Vålerenga as First January Addition

Brighton and Hove Albion have completed the signing of Norwegian international midfielder Olaug Tvedten from Toppserien club Vålerenga.

The 25 year old joins The Seagulls after spending the last four and a half years with VIF, where she won two league titles and three domestic cups.

Tvedten has been a prolific goalscorer in the Norwegian top flight in recent seasons, netting more than 50 goals during her time at Vålerenga. The attacking midfielder has one cap for Norway at senior level and has been in and around the squad over the last five years.

Quality Attacking Player Joins WSL

Brighton manager Dario Vidošić expressed his excitement at securing Tvedten’s signature. “We’re really excited to welcome Olaug to the team. She’s a technical goalscoring midfielder with real quality, and we’re looking forward to seeing the impact she can make heading into the second half of the season.“

Tvedten represents Brighton’s first signing of the January transfer window as they look to strengthen their squad for the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign. The Seagulls will hope her goalscoring prowess in Norway translates to success in the WSL.

Experienced Winner Adds Depth

The Norwegian’s trophy laden spell at Vålerenga demonstrates her winning mentality and ability to perform at the highest level. Her experience winning multiple titles should prove valuable for Brighton as they navigate the second half of the season.

Tvedten will be hoping to make an immediate impact in England, using her technical ability to both create and score goals for The Seagulls. Brighton return to WSL action when the winter break concludes, with Tvedten available for selection as they look to climb the table.

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