Leicester City Women are poised to sign experienced full-back Ashleigh Neville from Tottenham Hotspur, according to reports, after Spurs completed deals for Julie Blakstad and Hanna Wijk.
An agreement has been reached for Neville’s move, which would end her eight-and-a-half-year spell in north London. Neville is Tottenham’s longest-serving player, having joined in 2017 and becoming the first to reach 100 WSL appearances for the club in February 2025. She was a key figure in Spurs’ run to their first Women’s FA Cup final in 2024 and remains a fans’ favourite.
Tottenham’s New Arrivals
- Julie Blakstad, 24, joined on a free transfer after leaving Hammarby. The Norway international, formerly of Manchester City, can play as a winger, wing-back, or left-back.
- Hanna Wijk, 22, signed from Sweden, offering versatility at both full-back positions.
- On Sunday, Spurs also secured Maika Hamano on loan from Chelsea for the remainder of the season. The 21-year-old Japanese forward helped Chelsea win back-to-back WSL titles and scored against Spurs in May 2024.
Spurs head coach Martin Ho praised Blakstad’s qualities:
Leicester’s Strategy
Neville’s move to Rick Passmoor’s Leicester is expected to provide regular starting opportunities. Leicester have often fielded one of the youngest average sides in the WSL and are now targeting players with greater top-flight experience.
Current Form
Both clubs are performing above expectations this season:
- Leicester sit ninth, six points clear of relegation.
- Tottenham are fifth, just two points off a European place, making them the surprise package of the campaign.
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