Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the signing of midfielder Lia Wälti from Juventus, bringing the Swiss international back to the WSL after a season in Italy. Wälti previously spent seven years with Arsenal, where she won the WSL title, two League Cups and the UEFA Women’s Champions League, and Brighton are set to open their season against her former club.
Wälti expects an unusual meeting with her old side
According to The Argus, Wälti said it will feel unusual to potentially make her Brighton debut against Arsenal. Arsenal are due to visit Broadfield Stadium to open the campaign on Sunday, September 6.
Wälti said she remains on good terms with people at Arsenal and is looking forward to seeing them again, while acknowledging that playing against former teammates in a different kit will be a new experience. She added that players face similar situations with the Switzerland national team and that her focus is now on helping Brighton collect points.
Leaving Arsenal was not straightforward. Her long-standing partnership with Kim Little gave way as Mariona Caldentey’s arrival in 2024 reshaped the midfield, and when she departed for Juventus last September, Wälti called it one of the hardest decisions she had ever had to take. Her season in Italy brought its own success, winning the Supercoppa Italiana and the inaugural Serie A Women’s Cup, though Juventus finished third domestically and failed to defend their league title.
Vidosic highlights Wälti’s leadership
Brighton head coach Dario Vidosic described the 33-year-old as a major addition ahead of the new season. He said Wälti offers the group a leadership profile similar to Fran Kirby, alongside extensive experience at the highest level and a record of winning silverware. Vidosic added that Wälti’s career speaks for itself and that he is looking forward to her impact at the club.
Wälti is Switzerland’s fourth most-capped player of all time with 140 appearances, and her ability to escape tight spaces during her Arsenal years earned her the nickname “snake hips” from former teammate Leah Williamson.
Brighton can be confident against leading sides
Wälti told The Argus that Brighton do not need to hide against the WSL’s established powers, citing the team’s run to last season’s FA Cup final and their ability to trouble bigger opponents in recent years. She said Brighton will not be favourites in every match, but described that as a positive position when facing teams including Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.
The signing fits a broader pattern of ambition at Brighton, who have also unveiled plans for a purpose-built women’s stadium, reportedly the first of its kind in Europe, as the club looks to establish itself among the WSL’s leading names.
