Leicester City are finalizing a deal to bring in defender Ashleigh Neville from Tottenham Hotspur, a move that would add significant top-flight experience to their squad. This transfer comes as part of a busy period of defensive reshuffling for both clubs in the Women’s Super League.
Neville, a versatile full-back, has been a cornerstone of the Spurs side for nearly a decade, making over a century of WSL appearances for the club. Her departure coincides with Tottenham’s recent acquisitions of defenders Julie Blakstad and Hanna Wijk, signaling a strategic shift in their defensive lineup. Leicester, who have fielded one of the youngest sides in the division this season, are understood to be actively seeking players with proven WSL pedigree to bolster their campaign.
Both teams have exceeded pre-season predictions, with Tottenham mounting a surprising challenge for European qualification and Leicester establishing a comfortable buffer above the relegation places.
In a separate development, Arsenal have announced the signing of Swedish international defender Smilla Holmberg. The 19-year-old right-back, who impressed at last summer’s European Championships, joins the club from Hammarby on a long-term contract, describing the move as the fulfillment of a lifelong ambition.