Former Arsenal star signs for Brighton

The 33-year-old Switzerland captain returns to England after a short spell in Italy, bringing major WSL and European experience to Brighton.

Lia Waelti of Switzerland reacts following her team's defeat and elimination at the end of the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 Quarter-Final match between Spain v Switzerland at Stadion Wankdorf on July 18, 2025 — Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images

Lia Walti has returned to the Women’s Super League after one season with Juventus, with the former Arsenal midfielder signing for Brighton for an undisclosed fee.

The 33-year-old left Arsenal in September 2025, ending a hugely influential seven-year spell in north London.

Arsenal sold Walti to Juventus for a reported fee of around €100,000, rising with add-ons, with the Switzerland captain signing a two-year deal through to 2027.

Walti made 177 appearances for Arsenal (according to Brighton, 183 according to the BBC and Wikipedia), winning the WSL, League Cup and Champions League, and was a firm favourite with supporters during a period in which her composure and intelligence made her central to the team’s midfield.

BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND - MARCH 08: Lia Walti of Arsenal during the FA Women's Super League match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Meadow Park on March 08, 2023 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) — Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

Walti is believed to have wanted a return to England for personal reasons, and Brighton have now secured a player with significant domestic and European pedigree.

Dario Vidosic, Brighton Women’s first-team coach, said of her arrival, “Lia is a huge addition to the team ahead of the new season.

“She brings a similar leadership profile to the group as Fran Kirby – a huge amount of experience at the very top end of the game, with silverware to show for it.

“Lia’s career speaks for itself and I am looking forward to seeing the impact she will have for us.”

Walti’s international teammate, Géraldine Reuteler, 27, is expected to join the Gunners this summer.

Geraldine Reuteler of Switzerland looks on during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 Qualifier match between Switzerland and Malta at AIL Arena on June 05, 2026 — Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images

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