Brighton have officially announced the signing of former Levante midfielder Tatiana Pinto on a free transfer.

Seagulls boss Melissa Phillips says she is delighted that the 29-year-old has opted to make the move to the south coast:

“We are very excited to welcome Tatiana to the club. She’s a talented and experienced player at both club and international level, and we are certain she will add a dominant and creative flair within our attacking lines.”

“Throughout the process, Tatiana’s shared ambition in the club’s overall vision has been clear and she is eager to make her mark amongst the squad. We know she will make an immediate impact to the team as we prepare for a competitive season ahead.”

Pinto had been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, with reports last month suggesting that the Red Devils were confident about signing the Portuguese international. Arsenal have also been mentioned as potential suitors but Brighton managed to secure her services.

Brighton have snapped up a very experienced player

Pinto earned her 100th cap for Portugal before the World Cup, and she was also included in the squad for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

The midfielder played in all three group games, helping her team to draw against the USA in their final fixture, but they didn’t progress to the knockout stages.

Pinto is the sixth player to make the move to the Amex this summer

The Seagulls squad has undergone an overhaul ahead of the 2023/24 Women’s Super League season, with Pinto one of six players that have joined the club in recent weeks.

No less than three signings have been made from Sydney FC, with Madison Haley, Mackenzie Hawkesby and Charlize Rule arriving from Down Under last month.

Pauline Bremer has also made the move from Wolfsburg, while ex-Barcelona star Vicky Losada has joined on a free.