Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Melina Loeck has signed a new contract with the club, securing her future with the Seagulls, while also agreeing to a loan move to Swedish side Hammarby IF until January 1, 2026. The 25-year-old German, who joined Brighton from Kristianstads DFF in January 2024, has made 16 appearances across all competitions, proving herself a strong contender for the No. 1 spot in the Women’s Super League (WSL). The announcement, made on August 1, 2025, reflects Brighton’s commitment to retaining talent despite increased competition following the signing of Nigeria international Chiamaka Nnadozie this summer.
Loeck’s impact last season was significant, as she forced her way into the starting lineup ahead of Sophie Baggaley, playing a key role in Brighton’s record-breaking WSL finish under head coach Dario Vidošić. Her eight saves in two WSL appearances during the 2023-24 campaign showcased her reflexes and command, with a standout performance in a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on April 28, 2024. Vidošić praised her consistency, stating, “Melina stepped up to the challenge in the WSL and played a key role in our record finish.” The loan to Hammarby, a competitive OBOS Damallsvenskan club, aims to ensure Loeck maintains regular game time in a high-level environment.
The decision to loan Loeck comes as Brighton bolster their goalkeeping ranks with Nnadozie, whose recent recognition as the best goalkeeper at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations intensifies competition alongside Baggaley. Loeck’s career trajectory, from six seasons with Wolfsburg’s second team to four years in Sweden’s top flight, highlights her resilience and adaptability. Her move to Hammarby, where she debuted in 2020 with Kristianstads, offers a familiar setting to further hone her skills, with Brighton closely monitoring her progress for a potential January return to challenge for the starting role.
Brighton’s strategic approach to Loeck’s development underscores their ambition to build a robust squad for the 2025-26 WSL season, which begins with a home clash against Manchester United on September 21. The club’s faith in Loeck, evidenced by the new contract, aligns with their broader transfer activity, including recent signings like Nikita Parris. As Loeck prepares for her temporary stint in Sweden, her commitment to Brighton and the opportunity for consistent minutes position her to return stronger, ready to compete in one of the WSL’s most talented goalkeeping units.[](https://onefootball.com/en/news/brighton-hove-albion-keeper-loeck-signs-new-deal-41456177)[](https://fawslfulltime.co.uk/2025/08/01/brighton-hove-albion-keeper-loeck-signs-new-deal/)[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melina_Loeck)
