Nikita Parris: Brighton sign England forward from Manchester United

Brighton have signed England forward Nikita Parris on a permanent deal from Manchester United.

The 30-year-old was United’s top scorer last season as they won their first Women’s FA Cup trophy.

She joined United from Arsenal in August 2022 and scored 25 goals across 57 appearances for the club.

The length of Parris’ contract has not been disclosed.

Brighton head coach Dario Vidosic said: “We’re delighted to bring a player of Nikita’s ability and experience to the club. 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.”

The Euro 2022 winner played in a pre-season friendly against Leicester City on Wednesday, but Parris was in Brighton on Friday to finalise the move just before the transfer deadline.

With her contract due to expire in the summer, United triggered an option clause to extend her stay by another year, knowing any interested party would need to pay a fee.