Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed the departure of Li Mengwen by mutual consent. The defender joined the club in 2023, making 15 appearances in her first season before going on loan to West Ham United.
Mengwen spent the majority of her career in China, playing for Jiangsu from 2009 to 2022. Her first move to Europe came via a loan to Paris Saint-Germain, where she featured in the UEFA [Women’s Champions League](https://womenfootball.blog/womens-champions-league/).
West Ham United already confirmed Li Mengwen’s return to her former club Jiangsu in April.
**Club statement**: “Everyone at the club would like to thank Li for her contribution during her time with Albion and wish her every success for the future.”
Earlier this month, Leonardo Frenquelli reported that Brighton have signed Japan international Moeka Minami, paying a significant transfer fee reportedly exceeding €100,000. Minami joins from AS Roma, where she arrived in 2022 after five seasons with Urawa Reds.
Minami made an immediate impact in her debut season in Italy, winning both the Scudetto and the Supercoppa. In 2023, she was named one of the league’s top defenders and signed a contract extension in February 2024, extending her stay until 2026.
“I am very pleased to renew my contract with Roma. Since I arrived here two years ago, I’ve been able to grow thanks to the amazing support of my teammates, staff, and fans, with whom I have a great relationship,” said Moeka. “I want to continue growing with this team and give my best.”
In the 2024/2025 season Minami made 24 appearances for AS Roma, starting all the matches, scoring three goals and registering one assist.
Source: [Brighton & Hove Albion](https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/pages/en/media-article/wft-news-li-mengwen-to-leave-albion)