Brighton announce departure of Nikita Parris as Euro 2022 winner prepares to join Women’s Super League side

Liverpool FC v Brighton & Hove Albion FC - Barclays Women's Super League. Nikita Parris has left Brighton and is set to join London City Lionesses

Nikita Parris (No.9) has left Brighton and is set to join another Women’s Super League side. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)Brighton have confirmed that Nikita Parris has left the club, as the Euro 2022 winner prepares to complete a transfer to a Women’s Super League (WSL) rival.

The England Lioness joined the Seagulls from Manchester United on deadline day in September 2024.

She helped Brighton achieve their best-ever finish in the WSL, as they placed fifth in the final standings.

The 31-year-old leaves Brighton at the end of her one-year contract, amid reports that she is set to join another WSL club ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Nikita Parris transfer news: Which WSL club is she set to join?

The Guardian have reported that Nikita Parris is set to complete a transfer to the London City Lionesses following her departure from Brighton.

Parris set to undergo a medical with the newly promoted side on Tuesday.

The Michelle-Kang owned side have huge ambitions after winning WSL 2 last season.

London City Lionesses have a talented squad that includes Sweden international Kosovare Asllani.

This summer the Lionesses have signed six players, including talented Dutch midfielder Danielle van de Donk.

Other additions include Sanni Franssi and Elene Lete from Real Sociedad, Isa Kardinaal from Ajax, Teyah Goldie from Arsenal (who spent last season on loan with London City), and Poppy Pattinson also from Brighton.

Why has Nikita Parris decided to leave Brighton?

Nikita Parris has not yet commented on her departure from Brighton as she prepares to join London City Lionesses.

Brighton head coach Dario Vidosic, also did not mention why Parris has left the club but thanked the forward for her efforts last season.

He said: “Nikita has played a vital role in helping us achieve our highest-ever WSL finish.

“Her professionalism, both on and off the pitch has been outstanding, and her experience has been hugely influential within the squad. Especially, in guiding some of our younger players.

“Her goals and tactical awareness have offered consistency and leadership in the final third. We’re truly grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her last season and wish her nothing but the best in the next stage of her career.”

Parris will be optimistic at the high ambitions of the London City Lionesses who are well placed to compete against some of the established teams in the WSL.

When does the 2025-26 WSL season begin?

The new season will get underway on the weekend of September 6th and 7th.

Brighton and London City Lionesses will discover the order of their opponents on Friday, when the 2025-26 WSL fixtures are released.

Upcoming Events

Would you like to read more women’s football news just like this? Sign up to receive the She Kicks Women’s Football newsletter

About Kieran Lynch 176 Articles
Kieran Lynch is a sports writer specialising in women's football who started writing for SheKicks in June 2025. He writes about clubs and players across the Women's Super League, European football and international tournaments including Women's Euro 2025.