I was meant to be Chelsea’s ‘new Makelele’ and won the Champions League – now I’m a free agentplaceholder image
I was meant to be Chelsea’s ‘new Makelele’ and won the Champions League – now I’m a free agent | Getty Images
Fran Kirby is reportedly open to a move away from Brighton and Hove Albion
Chelsea legend Fran Kirby has been linked with a move away from current club Brighton and Hove Albion this transfer window but the Seagulls aren’t playing ball.
Kirby signed for Brighton in the summer of 2024, following her departure from Chelsea. After a trophy-laden nine years with the Blues, including seven Women’s Super League titles and the Spring Series, the former Lioness departed as a free agent.
Having spent her entire career in the south of England, Kirby signed for WSL rivals Brighton. But now, she is reportedly open to a move away from home soil.
Brighton reject three offers for ‘irreplaceable’ Fran Kirby
Juventus are the club in hot pursuit of Kirby’s signature this transfer window and the 32-year-old is open to the idea of the move.
According to reporter Mauro Munno, Juve have tabled three ‘big bids’ in attempt to sign the former England international but Brighton are having none of it. The WSL side view Kirby as ‘non-transferable’ and ‘irreplaceable’ within their squad.
Juventus, who are currently five points behind Roma in the Serie A title chase, have made it their priority to sign a ‘high-impact forward’. Kirby clearly fits the bill but the Seagulls are adamant on keeping her exactly where she is.
Fran Kirby gives ‘green light’ to Juventus move
Elaborating further on JuventusNews24.com, Munno reports that Brighton are ‘reluctant’ to see Kirby leave the club during the January transfer window. The south coast club knocked back a third offer from Juventus as recent as this week.
Despite Brighton’s stance, Kirby is said to be eager to compete in the Champions League again and has ‘given the green light’ to make the move to the Italian powerhouses.
Juventus are in need of attacking reinforcements, though, and the club’s board are already scoping out potential alternatives to the former England icon.
Kirby and Chelsea finished as runners-up in the UWCL during the 2020/21 season. The Blues reached the final after beating the likes of Atletico Madrid, VfL Wolfsburg and Bayern Munich in the knockouts but were humbled by a 4-0 defeat to Barcelona in the final.
Kirby finished the campaign as the joint highest goal-scorer of the tournament with six goals. She shared the accolade with winner Jenni Hermoso of Barcelona, who became the first football club to claim both the men’s and women’s Champions League titles.
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