Midfielder, Solly March will exit Brighton & Hove Albion when his contract expires on 30 June 2026.
March’s departure will bring a 14-and-a-half year spell at Brighton to an end, in which he helped them achieve promotion to the Premier League at the end of the 2016-17 season, and has gone on to help the club consolidate their top-flight status in which they twice qualified for European competitions.
The 31-year-old also produced 26 goals in 300 appearances across his time at Brighton and in an open letter on the club’s website, he spoke of the difficulty in saying farewell and reflected on his growth throughout his time with the Seagulls.
“It’s hard to find the words to say goodbye to a club that’s been my home for so long. From arriving from Lewes as a young lad with big dreams to walking out at the Amex in the Premier League and in Europe, it’s been everything I could have hoped for and more.
“I grew up at this club and learned what it means to represent Brighton & Hove Albion. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity. As the club grew, I was lucky enough to grow with it.”
March proceeded to pay tribute to former managers – Chris Hughton and Roberto De Zerbi for their work in allowing him to make memories of promotion then Brighton’s first-ever European qualification – as they reached the Round of 16 in 2023-24 UEFA Europa League.
“Under Chris Hughton, we built something special. That promotion season will always stay with me and to take this club into the Premier League meant everything.
“What followed went beyond anything I imagined. Establishing ourselves in the Premier League and then, under Roberto De Zerbi, reaching Europe. Those nights were incredibly special and I’m proud to have been part of them.”
He also acknowledged the challenge of recovering from two ACL injuries as he thanked the fans and teammates for their support, and pledged support for current manager – Fabian Hurzeler.
“It hasn’t always been straightforward. Coming back from two ACL injuries was the toughest challenge I’ve faced, but with the support of the club, my teammates and you, the fans, I kept going. Pulling the shirt on again meant everything to me.
“Thank you Fabian. I would have loved to have played more games these past two seasons. I’ve no doubt he’ll take the club forward next season.
“Thank you to all my teammates over the years, all the staff at the club from Tony Bloom down, but especially the medical and sports science staff who helped me through the hardest moments of my career.”
March also paid tribute to his family as he admitted that leaving the club isn’t simple but feels prepared for a fresh experience at a new club.
“I also want to thank the most important people in my life – my wife Amelia, my three wonderful girls and my family – for their constant support through every high and low. I couldn’t have done any of this without them.
“Leaving was never going to be easy. This is my club and always will be, but I’m ready for a new challenge and excited. I will keep proving people wrong and get back to my best. I’m fit and ready for what’s next.
“Most of all, thank you to you, the fans. Your support has meant more than I can put into words and it’s something I’ll carry with me wherever I go.
“It’s been an honour to wear this shirt and to be part of this club’s history. I’ll always be watching, always supporting and always grateful. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
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