BRIGHTON HAVE SIGNED Emily Murphy from Newcastle United as the Ireland international moves up to the WSL.
The 23-year-old striker got nine goals last season for the Magpies as they finished sixth in WSL 2. They confirmed a ‘club record sale’ on Friday, with the fee undisclosed.
Murphy started her career with Chelsea, making her senior debut in 2019 before moving to Newcastle in January 2025 after a period in the US.
— Brighton & Hove Albion Women (@BHAFCWomen) July 24, 2026
She has won 18 caps for Ireland, scoring twice.
Dario Vidosic, women’s head coach at Brighton, said: “Emily has shown that she has both a good eye for goal and the ability to provide for her teammates.
“She had a taste of WSL football with Chelsea before then, so she knows the standards that we will be demanding from her.
“Emily also adds good quality to an area we needed to strengthen, so I am excited to work with her.”
Meanwhile, Watford have confirmed the signing of Ireland striker Saoirse Noonan, who will move to the WSL 2 side having departed Celtic.
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The Cork woman scored 57 goals in 74 appearances for the Glaswegians, including five hat-tricks.
Ireland striker Saoirse Noonan. Ben Brady / INPHO
Ben Brady / INPHO / INPHO
In her final game for Celtic, the 27-year-old Noonan provided the assist for Morgan Cross’ goal in a 1-0 Scottish Cup final victory over rivals Rangers at Hampden Park.
Former Cork City striker Noonan has earned 14 caps for Ireland and scored her first goal for the national team against Georgia in 2021.
Noonan moved from City to Shelbourne, and then onto English second-tier side Durham, before joining Celtic in 2024.
Elsewhere, Claire O’Riordan has signed for Swiss club FC Zurich after a stint at Standard Liege in Belgium, while Jess Hennessy has joined the Irish influx at Burnley.
Hennessy’s latest move was announced on Thursday, as the former League of Ireland star makes the step up from FA Women’s National League side Bournemouth.
The 24-year-old links up with Tyler Toland, Jamie Finn, Kiera Sena and Naoisha McAloon at the WSL 2 outfit. O’Riordan will also come across a familiar face at Zurich, where former Ireland international Diane Caldwell is the sports coordinator.
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Ireland striker Emily Murphy joins WSL side Brighton from Newcastle United
LAST UPDATE | 24 Jul
BRIGHTON HAVE SIGNED Emily Murphy from Newcastle United as the Ireland international moves up to the WSL.
The 23-year-old striker got nine goals last season for the Magpies as they finished sixth in WSL 2. They confirmed a ‘club record sale’ on Friday, with the fee undisclosed.
Murphy started her career with Chelsea, making her senior debut in 2019 before moving to Newcastle in January 2025 after a period in the US.
She has won 18 caps for Ireland, scoring twice.
Dario Vidosic, women’s head coach at Brighton, said: “Emily has shown that she has both a good eye for goal and the ability to provide for her teammates.
“She had a taste of WSL football with Chelsea before then, so she knows the standards that we will be demanding from her.
“Emily also adds good quality to an area we needed to strengthen, so I am excited to work with her.”
Meanwhile, Watford have confirmed the signing of Ireland striker Saoirse Noonan, who will move to the WSL 2 side having departed Celtic.
The Cork woman scored 57 goals in 74 appearances for the Glaswegians, including five hat-tricks.
In her final game for Celtic, the 27-year-old Noonan provided the assist for Morgan Cross’ goal in a 1-0 Scottish Cup final victory over rivals Rangers at Hampden Park.
Former Cork City striker Noonan has earned 14 caps for Ireland and scored her first goal for the national team against Georgia in 2021.
Noonan moved from City to Shelbourne, and then onto English second-tier side Durham, before joining Celtic in 2024.
Elsewhere, Claire O’Riordan has signed for Swiss club FC Zurich after a stint at Standard Liege in Belgium, while Jess Hennessy has joined the Irish influx at Burnley.
Hennessy’s latest move was announced on Thursday, as the former League of Ireland star makes the step up from FA Women’s National League side Bournemouth.
The 24-year-old links up with Tyler Toland, Jamie Finn, Kiera Sena and Naoisha McAloon at the WSL 2 outfit. O’Riordan will also come across a familiar face at Zurich, where former Ireland international Diane Caldwell is the sports coordinator.
- With reporting from Emma Duffy and Ronan Early
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