Southampton FC complete signing of experienced Leicester City defender

SAINTS Women have announced the signing of defender Jemma Purfield from Leicester City, subject to FA approval.

Starting her career at Doncaster Rovers Belles, Purfield became the youngest ever player at the time to make a Women’s Super League debut at 16 years and 2 months, when she came on against Chelsea in 2013.

Purfield continued her career and education in the United States at South Alabama Jaguars, followed by Arizona State Sun Devils before a move back to the UK saw her sign for Barclays Women’s Super League side Liverpool in January 2019.

Leaving relegated Liverpool in 2020 after 17 appearances, Purfield remained in the top-tier with Bristol City, making 27 appearances for the Robins, including an appearance against Chelsea in the Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley in 2021.

Another WSL move saw the defender join Leicester City for the 2021/22 season, quickly becoming a mainstay in the Foxes’ side and providing a threat in attack from set pieces.

On becoming the newest arrival at Saints, Purfield said: “I’m really happy to have made the move. After speaking to people at the club and visiting the club, it was an obvious choice for me, and it just felt right.
“The vision of the football club – I think it’s fantastic. I’m really excited to be a part of a club that’s pushing to be at that next level and really backing us to go and do that.”

Her arrival at Saints will see her reunited with a number of players, including Megan Wynne and Laura Rafferty with whom she played at Bristol City and Molly Pike who has also joined Saints from Leicester City.

Bolstering an already strong squad, head of women’s football Marieanne Spacey-Cale added: “We are delighted to add Jemma Purfield to our squad.

“Having worked with Jemma previously at international level, I have tracked her progress and am now excited to see what she can bring to our squad

“A wholehearted player, Jemma exhibits strong leadership traits and demands high standards of herself and others on and off the pitch. Her WSL experience will be important for us as we start the season ahead.”