Australian goalkeeper, Lydia Williams has left Brighton & Hove Albion to join Melbourne Victory for an undisclosed fee.
Williams joined Brighton from Paris Saint-Germain in January and kept just one clean sheet in nine appearances, as the Seagulls retained their Women’s Super League status and reached the semi-finals of 2022-23 Women’s FA Cup where they lost to Manchester United.
The 35 year-old Australian international since decided to move on following the arrival of Sophie Baggaley on a permanent transfer, whilst Nicky Evrard has signed on a season-long loan from Chelsea as Brighton sought to strengthen their squad for the new season.
Williams has subsequently joined Melbourne Victory on a two-year deal for an undisclosd transfer fee, which brought her two-and-a-half year spell in England to an end, having spent two years with Arsenal before she joined France’s PSG in July 2022 for six months.
“I’m excited to be returning home and representing Melbourne Victory this season,” commented Williams upon her return to Australia, where she previously played for Canberra United and Melbourne City in spells throughout her career.
Williams is Victory’s eighth signing for the new A League season under manager, Jeff Hopkins, and the 35 year-old has praised Hopkins for creating “an incredible squad” for the new season.
This summer saw Williams called up to Australia’s squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup on home soil, despite not getting any game time during the tournament.
Nevertheless, Williams is proud to be returning to her home country at club level, as she explained: “After such an exciting period for our sport, to be returning to the competition where I started my career and had so many great memories is an honour for me but I also want to continue making great memories with the team and the Club.”
Brighton manager, Melissa Phillips meanwhile has urged Albion supporters to “respect” Williams decision to return to Australia, as she praised the 35 year-old for her “professional” attitude during their time together at the club.
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