Seagull Strikers

This week’s column looks at players for whom the 2025–26 season could be a turning point — perhaps even a little “make or break.”

A successful campaign is either needed to reignite their trajectory or could be the moment they take things to the next level. Arsenal correspondent Tim Stillman does a version of this every year, so it’s only fair I credit him for inspiring this Brighton-focused take.

In truth, there were many candidates I could have chosen from the squad, but I’ve limited it to three players who were already at the club before the transfer window.

Aisha Masaka

Aisha Masaka had big shoes to fill when she signed from Swedish side Häcken last July. With Katie Robinson and Elisabeth Terland departing, there was space in the forward line, and hopes were high that the “physical striker,” as Zoe Johnson described her, could make a strong impact and score goals.

Unfortunately, her debut was cut short by a dislocated shoulder sustained while attempting a shot — an injury that ruled her out for five months. Although she made the bench a few times later in the season, she didn’t make another appearance for the Seagulls.This summer’s delayed WAFCON was a chance for her to gain minutes and confidence with Tanzania, but a knee injury in the build-up dashed those hopes.

As Brighton fans, we’ve barely seen Masaka in action, and she remains something of an unknown quantity.The phrase “like a new signing” is often thrown around in men’s football, but it genuinely applies in Masaka’s case. If she stays fit and available, she could become a dynamic presence on the wings, make a huge impact, and announce herself to the WSL.

She turns 22 this season, so she’s still relatively young and has time to build a successful career — injury-free, we hope. Every Brighton fan will be wishing for a season full of minutes and meaningful contributions from her.

Charlie Rule

Like Masaka, Charlie Rule has battled injury — a hip issue and other setbacks led to a 15-month gap between appearances. She marked her return in style, scoring against Manchester City in a very undeserved 2–1 defeat.

This season could be the one where Rule kicks on and truly stamps her mark on the team. She’s a talented player with a strong mindset and a relentless engine that will serve Brighton well.

Her challenge lies in the depth and quality of our defensive options. With Rachel McLauchlan having had an excellent debut season and several internationals joining the squad, competition is fierce. Rule may find herself playing significant minutes in midfield or on the wing, in a role reminiscent of Marisa Olislagers.

In pre-season against Ajax, Rule appeared to play in midfield — or at least found herself in that area — and delivered a brilliant ball that broke the lines and allowed Canković to assist Seike’s goal. Transitioning from full-back to midfield is a well-trodden path, and with her forward-thinking style and adaptability, she may pop up in several positions throughout the season.There are real opportunities for Rule to make a big impact, and I’m excited to see what kind of season she has.

Nadine Noordam

This feels like a big season for Nadine Noordam — but in a very different way. Despite only arriving in January, she made a huge impact, thrown into the middle of the season without a pre-season and expected to hit the ground running.

My “hot take” is that Noordam will be our Player of the Season come May, having shown another level and a layer of consistency.

With former captain Vicky Losada now at Bristol City, there’s space not just for a midfield stalwart but for leadership too. While Fran Kirby or Maisie Symonds may be natural choices for captain, leadership is increasingly a shared responsibility at elite clubs. Noordam should be one of our technical leaders — helping to organise the press and manage the tempo of play.She had a great campaign last year, and I’m hopeful she’ll reach even greater heights this season.