Brighton & Hove Albion are on the verge of signing Manchester United defender Gabby George ahead of the new Women's Super League campaign, according to reports.
The 29-year-old is understood to have just one year remaining on her contract after United triggered an option clause back in January. Despite that, the Seagulls are expected to pay a six-figure fee to secure her services, underlining their determination to bring the versatile defender to the Amex Stadium.
George's desire for more regular football is said to be driving the move. Having spent three seasons at United since joining in 2023, she made more than 50 appearances for the club and was part of the squad that lifted the Women's FA Cup in 2024. However, with playing time reportedly harder to come by, a fresh start at Brighton appears to offer the chance for greater consistency in her career.
George began her senior career at Everton, coming through the club's academy and going on to make over 100 appearances for the Merseyside outfit before her switch to Manchester United. She has also represented England at senior level, earning three caps, and would bring valuable top-flight experience to a Brighton squad that continues to strengthen its ranks this summer.
Dario Vidosic's side have been notably active in the transfer market, having already brought in Switzerland captain Lia Walti along with midfielder Emilie Joramo from Swedish club Hammarby. George's arrival would represent another significant addition as Brighton look to build on last season's seventh-place finish in the WSL and push for a higher standing in the upcoming campaign.
Brighton are set to begin their league season with a home fixture against Arsenal on Sunday, 6 September, kicking off at 12:00 BST — a tough opening test against one of the WSL's traditional powerhouses.
Meanwhile, George's expected departure comes at a turbulent time for Manchester United's women's team. The club confirmed earlier this week that manager Marc Skinner has left his position by mutual agreement, leaving United now searching for a new head coach ahead of the new season. The timing of the managerial change adds further uncertainty to United's squad planning, even as they continue working through their roster ahead of the WSL's return.
For Brighton, however, the mood remains one of ambition and progress. The club has been steadily assembling a squad capable of competing with the WSL's leading teams, and the potential signing of George — alongside the additions of Walti and Joramo — signals a clear intent to build depth and experience across multiple positions.
With the transfer window still open and the new season fast approaching, further confirmation of George's move to the south coast is expected in the coming days. Should the deal go through, it would mark not only a fresh chapter in her playing career but also another statement of intent from a Brighton side eager to climb the WSL table after finishing seventh last term.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.