Aston Villa Women announce signing of England international Lucy Parker
Aston Villa Women have announced the signing of West Ham defender Lucy Parker on a two-year deal, with an option for another 12 months.
Parker, 24, joins up with Carla Ward’s side, who ended their Women’s Super League campaign in a record-high fifth place as she looks set to bolster Villa’s defensive options.
Parker played for England’s under-17s and under-21s before her first full England debut in the Autumn of last year and is said to be highly rated by Lioness’ boss Sarina Wiegman [Daily Mail]
Sought after
West Ham were reportedly keen to maintain Parker’s services [Daily Mail], but the Cambridge-born defender looked to travel north and join Ward’s steadily developing Villans.
This coup shows Villa’s strength in the market this summer. Following more unpredictable transfer policies over the last few transfer windows, Ward’s side have been much more focused and shrewd in their business.
Daphne van Domselaar’s move from Twente to the West Midlands is emblematic of this policy and looks to be good enough to replace Hannah Hampton, who departed for Chelsea after her contract expired.
Her new manager also has high praise for her. Speaking to the club, Ward said: “Lucy is someone we’ve tracked for some time and we know we had a lot of competition to sign her.”
“She’s a front-footed, ball-playing centre-half and is someone who will add a lot of quality to our defensive unit.”
Her versatility may also help her become an everpresent in the squad too with her ability to fill in at both centre-back and full-back
Her signing reflects Villa’s growing ambition to better their record-breaking season last time out. In her first interview with the club, Parker said: “The big thing for me was the ambition of the club. I’m looking to take that next step in my career and this club fit perfectly.”
This will be music to Villa fans’ ears, who will need a stronger defence if they want to compete with the WSL’s tougher opponents like Chelsea and Arsenal. Villa Women conceded 37 goals last season, the highest in the top half.
Parker may be the piece of the puzzle needed to push Villa up the table.
In other Aston Villa news, big-name signings are now on the cards after a behind-the-scenes arrival at Villa Park.