Leicester City are on the verge of completing a significant Women's Super League transfer, with an agreement reached to sign the experienced defender Ashleigh Neville from Tottenham Hotspur.
End of an era at Tottenham
Ashleigh Neville has been a cornerstone of Tottenham's women's team for eight and a half years, making her their longest-serving player. A versatile full-back who can operate on either flank, she became a fans' favourite and a symbol of the club's rise. Her landmark achievement came in February 2025 when she became the first player to make 100 WSL appearances for Spurs. She was also instrumental in the team's historic run to the 2024 Women's FA Cup final, the club's first ever.
Spurs' squad evolution prompts move
The potential departure of the 31-year-old comes as Tottenham actively refresh their defensive options. The north London club have already secured the signings of two players who can cover Neville's positions. They announced the free transfer of Norway international Julie Blakstad, a 24-year-old former Manchester City player who can function as a winger, wing-back, or left-back.
Head coach Martin Ho praised Blakstad as a "modern, dynamic full-back who brings a real attacking edge." This followed the acquisition of Swedish full-back Hanna Wijk, 22, who shares Neville's versatility. These moves signal a clear intent to evolve the squad, creating an opportunity for Neville to seek regular starting football elsewhere.
Leicester's push for experience
For Leicester, managed by Rick Passmoor, signing Neville aligns with a stated January transfer window objective. The Foxes have targeted players with proven WSL experience to bolster a side that has often fielded one of the youngest average starting XIs in the division this season.
Neville's top-flight know-how and leadership qualities are seen as valuable assets for a Leicester team performing solidly in ninth place, six points above the relegation zone. Her arrival would provide stiff competition and guidance in the defensive unit.
Both clubs have exceeded expectations this term, with Tottenham's impressive campaign seeing them sit fifth, just two points off a European qualification spot. In a separate move, Spurs also strengthened their attack by securing Chelsea forward Maika Hamano on loan for the rest of the season. The 21-year-old Japanese international was part of Chelsea's title-winning squads in the past two seasons.
Neville's anticipated switch from north London to the East Midlands marks a major shift for one of the WSL's most recognisable stalwarts and underscores the competitive nature of the mid-season transfer window.
