Charlton Athletic have completed the signing of defender Ashleigh Neville from Leicester City on a two-year contract.
The 33-year-old arrives with significant experience, having played more than 100 Women’s Super League matches, and will strengthen the newly promoted Charlton squad.
The move also sees Neville link up again with manager Karen Hills, under whom she played for three years at Tottenham and helped the club secure promotion to the highest division.
Neville said she was delighted to join the club and viewed the move as an exciting new chapter for both herself and Charlton.
She added that she understands Hills’ approach, while the manager is equally familiar with the qualities she can offer, making her eager to work with Hills once more.
Neville hopes to use her top-flight experience to make a positive contribution through both her performances and her influence away from the field.
The full-back moved to Leicester on an 18-month contract in January, but the club suffered relegation after losing a play-off against Charlton in May.
Her agreement was reportedly not subject to a relegation release clause, and with neither party reaching terms on a mutual departure, Charlton are thought to have paid a transfer fee.
Elsewhere, Leicester have recruited Republic of Ireland internationals Jessie Stapleton and Jessica Ziu from West Ham for fees that have not been disclosed.
Versatile 21-year-old defender Stapleton is understood to have agreed a three-year contract, while 24-year-old midfielder Ziu has reportedly signed for two years.
Stapleton, who is also capable of operating in midfield, found regular first-team opportunities limited at West Ham but gained valuable experience during loan spells with Reading, Sunderland and Nottingham Forest.
Stapleton expressed her relief that the transfer had been completed and said she was eager to begin working at a club with considerable ambition.
She believes Leicester can support her continued development, while she can also contribute to the club’s efforts to return to the level at which it aims to compete.
Ziu spent four years with West Ham, recording 23 appearances, and played the opening half of last season on a six-month loan at Bristol City.
Ziu said she was impressed by Leicester’s plans and organisational structure, adding that she is looking forward to wearing the shirt and playing in front of the supporters at King Power Stadium.
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