Brighton have completed the permanent signing of forward Emily Murphy from Newcastle United.
Emily Murphy joins Brighton after 18 months on Tyneside, with Newcastle confirming the undisclosed fee is a club record received for one of their women’s players. The 23-year-old scored nine goals in 37 appearances for the Magpies.
Brighton confirmed the transfer, which remains subject to the usual regulatory processes. Murphy also created 13 goals during her Newcastle spell, giving Dario Vidosic another forward capable of scoring and supplying chances.
Emily Murphy joins Brighton after productive Newcastle spell
Murphy came through Chelsea’s academy and made her senior debut in 2019. She later continued her development in the United States with Wake Forest Demon Deacons before joining Newcastle in January 2025.
Her time in the north east included two goals against Sunderland at St James’ Park last season. She also received Newcastle’s PFA Community Champion award for her work away from the pitch.
Vidosic believes Murphy strengthens an area Brighton needed to address. The Albion head coach highlighted her eye for goal, creativity and previous experience of Women’s Super League football with Chelsea.
Murphy represented England at youth level but now plays senior international football for the Republic of Ireland. She has won 18 caps and gives Brighton another player with experience beyond the domestic game.
The move also continues recent business between the clubs. ReadBrighton reported last week that Rachel McLauchlan had completed a permanent move from Brighton to Newcastle after two seasons on the south coast.
Brighton have already reshaped several areas of Vidosic’s squad this summer. Murphy adds direct competition in attack as Albion look to build on last season’s progress and their first Women’s FA Cup final appearance.
Emily Murphy joins Brighton with an opportunity to establish herself in the WSL while entering the most productive period of her career.
