Forward Michelle Agyemang has extended her stay at Brighton & Hove Albion after rejoining the Seagulls on loan from Arsenal.
The 19-year-old spent 2024/25 on the South Coast as part of a side that finished a club best 5th place in the Women's Super League, with Agyemang herself scoring five goals in 22 appearances across all competitions.
"We are thrilled to welcome Michelle back for another season," head coach Dario Vidosic told the club's website. "We loved working with her last year, and seeing how much she progressed as part of the squad.
"What she achieved during the summer with England was incredible but not surprising. She has the character, work ethic and relentless nature of a champion. As a club we’re incredibly proud of her.
"She was a pivotal part of our record-breaking season last year and we’re excited for what this new season looks like with her in our attack."
The England international enjoyed a stellar summer with the Lionesses by lifting the nations second consecutive UEFA Women's Euro title, chipping in with two crucial goals in the knockout stages against Sweden and Italy.
Her efforts were rewarded with a first major trophy of her career as well as being named Young Player of the Tournament.
A further accolade could follow in the form of the Kopa Trophy, - awarded to the best under-21 player of the year - facing competition from Linda Caicedo, Wieke Kaptein, Vicky Lopez and Claudia Martinez Ovando.
Back to Earth after meteoric rise
Agyemang's rise has been nothing short of remarkable, having only made her first appearance for England in April in a defeat to Belgium.
Although a formidable force at youth level, - where she scored 20 goals in 27 caps across the under-17s, under-19s and under-23s - her displays for the senior team have seen her profile grow exponentially.
Scoring 41 seconds into her debut for Sarina Wiegman's side was as perfect a start to international football as a player could get, but her star turns off the bench in Switzerland cemented her place in the squad for a long time to come.
Despite such an incredible last four months in particular, the striker's move back to Brighton was widely expected.
Her parent club, Arsenal, currently have one of the strongest attacking lines in Europe, with Alessia Russo, Stina Blackstenius, Beth Mead and new £1 million signing Olivia Smith all capable of playing the number 9 position Agyemang favours.
The Seagulls may not have the illustrious Champions League nights or as much of a chance of silverware, but they are a competitive outfit that offer another chance of settling into the physicality and expectations of the highest level on a more regular basis.
She has been part of the Gunners' academy teams since she was six and signed her first professional contract in 2024.
Agyemang likely sees her long-term future in North London, telling the club's website that Arsenal 'is like family to me' upon putting pen to paper last year.
While she would make a valuable addition to Renee Slegers' side for this coming season, the priority for now is her personal development. Getting more full 90 minutes will be the short term aim, given she only started three league outings last season.
"We’re so proud of Michelle’s achievements this summer and throughout her journey at Arsenal, from her first steps in our academy through to our first-team squad," Director of Women's Football Clare Wheatley said in the club's announcement.
"After discussing closely with Michelle and her family, we have all agreed that this move will provide Michelle with a further opportunity to develop and grow, as she continues to progress as a young player and person.
"We wish Michelle every success at Brighton and look forward to welcoming her back to Arsenal at the end of her loan."
Wheatley's words echo those of former Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall's words, who told Arseblog News in 2024:
"I think we really need to have a good look at where we provide an environment where she can remain injury free and is able to train and play a lot, but also doing that at the highest level possible because that is how good she is.
"There is no doubt she will become a top, top striker in the future. We need to find the very best way to make that journey into our first team.
"She is so humble and so hard working. She has a lovely personality and she is definitely prepared to do the work that is needed to get success at the very top."
Brighton kick-off their WSL campaign on September 7th at home against Aston Villa.