Brighton and Hove Albion have completed the signing of forward Nikita Parris from Manchester United.
The forward joins Brighton for an undisclosed fee.
United had activated a one-year option on Parris’s contract in July to extend her stay at the club until 2025.
The 30-year-old was United’s top scorer last season, scoring 16 goals in 30 appearances across all competitions.
“We’re delighted to bring a player of Nikita’s ability and experience to the club,” said head coach Dario Vidosic. “It signals our ambition as a club.
“Nikita’s record as a goalscorer speaks for itself and she will help us a lot in that regard.
“She is vastly experienced and will be an excellent role model, particularly for our young players. She is looking forward to getting stuck into a new challenge and we can’t wait to start working with her ahead of our first WSL game next Saturday against Everton.”
Parris, who was part of England’s European Championship-winning squad, joined United from Arsenal in the summer of 2022. She scored four goals in 21 Women’s Super League appearances during her debut season and became a more central figure in her second term at the club following the departure of forward Alessia Russo, who joined Arsenal.
The Athletic reported Parris had turned down a lucrative offer from National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side North Carolina Courage in April to prioritise the FA Cup final in May, a fixture that United won with a 4-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur to secure their maiden piece of silverware.
United have strengthened in forward areas this summer with the arrivals of Elisabeth Terland and Celin Bizet, while Melvine Malard’s loan move from Lyon has been made permanent.
Goalkeeper Mary Earps, captain Katie Zelem and winger Lucia Garcia have all departed following the expiration of their contracts.
Parris’s move to Brighton sees her team up with England team-mate Fran Kirby, who also joined the south club this summer following the expiration of her Chelsea deal. The pair have over 140 England caps between them.
Brighton also completed the loan signing of 18-year-old forward Michelle Agyemang from Arsenal on deadline day, while forward Lee Geum-min left to join Birmingham City on a permanent deal.
Brighton appointed former Australia international Vidosic as their new head coach this summer and begin the 2024-25 WSL campaign at home to Everton on September 21.
GO DEEPER
My game in my words. By Nikita Parris
(Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
