Manchester United Women defender Gabby George is closing in on a move to Brighton & Hove Albion Women before the start of the 2026/27 Women’s Super League season. The deal is expected to be worth a six-figure fee, making it a significant investment in a domestic defender.
What happened?
Gabby George has been a fixture at Manchester United Women for three seasons, making 54 total appearances in all competitions. However, her minutes have been uneven, with the 2023-24 campaign cut short by an ACL injury just four games in. The 29-year-old defender has been a part of the squad that won the Women’s FA Cup in 2024 and helped United reach the Champions League quarter-finals last season.
Why it matters for Manchester United Women
The departure of George is part of a much wider summer exodus at Old Trafford, with senior figures Leah Galton, Hannah Blundell, Millie Turner, and Lisa Naalsund all leaving the club. This leaves Manchester United Women with a defensive depth that is now absorbing a second significant blow in the space of weeks.
What comes next?
Brighton, managed by Dario Vidosic, finished seventh in the WSL last season and have moved early and decisively in the summer market. The arrivals of Switzerland captain Lia Wälti and Norwegian midfielder Emilie Joramo represent genuine quality additions, and George would slot into a back line that is being rebuilt with experienced internationals rather than potential.
As Manchester United Women face a turbulent summer, the club is now in the middle of a managerial search heading into the new campaign. The WSL transfer window timeline for 2026/27 sets out the registration deadlines clubs must work within ahead of the new season. Brighton open their campaign at home to Arsenal on 6 September.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 4th in FA WSL, 40 pts, 11W-7D-4L from 22 games, recent form LDDLW. Goals this season: 38 scored, 22 conceded (+16 goal difference). Title race: 15 points behind leaders Manchester City W.
