The 37-year-old arrives on a free transfer having left Arsenal in December and is a significant signing for Albion, ahead of the upcoming FA WSL Spring Series, which kicks off in February.
Brighton say that Byrne underwent a medical at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre and has signed an 18-month deal, covering the Spring Series and the 2017/18 season.
Interim manager George Parris told seagulls.co.uk, “We are absolutely delighted that Emma has agreed to join us ahead of the upcoming Spring Series and our debut season in the WSL.
“We’ve been keen to add experience and quality to the squad ahead of the new season, and Emma brings both as one of the greatest goalkeepers to have graced the women’s game.
“That pedigree will be vital for us in the upcoming season. She has a huge amount of experience at the very top of the game and has won a wealth of honours throughout her career.”
Byrne had been Arsenal’s number one for the past 16 seasons, and won every major domestic honour in the women’s game, including 11 top-flight women’s titles, nine FA Women’s Cup winners medals and the European Champions League in 2007.
She has also won three FA WSL Cups, five FA Premier League Cups and 125 caps for the Republic of Ireland – and she is the most-capped women’s player.
Albion’s first game of the new season is at AFC Wimbledon in the third round of the FA Women’s Cup on Sunday 5th February, followed by a trip to London Bees on Saturday 11th February.
The first home game in the WSL is against Oxford United on Sunday 26th February, at the Sussex County FA HQ, Culver Road.
Byrne and her colleagues will play their final home game of the Spring Series at the American Express Community Stadium, against Sheffield on Sunday 21st May.
Photo – Paul Hazlewood / seagulls.co.uk
