Sunderland AFC Women have bolstered their attacking options by completing the season-long loan signing of forward Lily Dent from Brighton & Hove Albion, the club confirmed on Friday.
Young forward joins Wearside to gain first‑team minutes
The 19-year-old arrives on Wearside aiming to continue her development after progressing through Brighton’s academy system, where she joined in the summer of 2022. Dent made her senior debut for the Seagulls in January 2024 against Chelsea and has since made a number of first‑team appearances before signing professional terms in the summer of 2024.
In an initial reaction published by Sunderland, Dent said:
"It has been great so far. The people here have been amazing and really welcoming from the start. I’m just excited to get going now. I want to take every opportunity that comes my way at Sunderland. I know there will be plenty of ups and downs, but I’m looking forward to getting started and making the most of every opportunity."
The loan represents Sunderland’s seventh signing of the summer window as the club continues to assemble a squad for the 2026/27 campaign. The move is designed to give Dent regular senior minutes and further her transition from youth to senior football.
What Dent brings to the squad
- Age: 19
- Parent club: Brighton & Hove Albion
- Senior debut: January 2024 (vs Chelsea)
- International experience: represented England up to Under-20 level
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Contract status | Season‑long loan from Brighton |
| Development pathway | Brighton academy graduate (joined 2022) |
| International age groups | England, up to U20 |
For Sunderland, adding a young forward with professional experience at a WSL club and youth international pedigree fits a pattern of recruiting players who can contribute now while retaining potential for future growth. The club’s handling of Dent’s integration — facilitating playing time, coaching support and adaptation to the first team — will be watched by supporters keen to see how the new arrivals affect the squad dynamics this season.
As the season approaches, Sunderland supporters will be looking for confirmation of Dent’s role within the squad and how quickly she can adapt to the pace and physicality of regular senior football. The loan also offers Brighton a pathway for continued development away from the pressures of their own first team while retaining oversight of her progress.
This move follows the club’s earlier transfer activity this summer and signals an ongoing recruitment drive as Sunderland prepare for the challenges ahead in the 2026/27 season.
