Done deal: Aston Villa announce Baijings transfer as Bayern Munich fee agreed
Aston Villa Women have moved early to bolster their squad ahead of next season.
Natalia Arroyo’s side narrowly avoided relegation from the WSL last season after a fine run, picking up six points against Arsenal and Tottenham in April.
As a result, Arroyo was recognised as the Manager of the Month after helping to turn the Villans’ season around.
Now, the claret and blues are looking to avoid being in the same position next season and have made great strides towards improving their squad already.
Aston Villa sign Jill Baijings from Bayern Munich
Aston Villa’s women have made a solid start to the transfer window, despite the men’s side struggling to attract signings.
Arroyo has now added Netherlands midfielder Jill Baijings to her side after already bringing in former Barcelona keeper Ellie Roebuck.
The 24-year-old joins from Bayern Munich on a permanent transfer, having spent last season on loan at Villa.
She made 15 appearances for the Villans last season, as she helped them avoid relegation from the Women’s Super League.
Baijings becomes Villa’s third signing of the summer after the arrivals of Netherlands defender Lynn Wilms and England goalkeeper Roebuck.
Aston Villa’s women’s team finally showing more intent
It has taken a while, but the Villa hierarchy finally seems to be putting as much emphasis on the women’s team as they are the men’s.
| WSL 2024/25 table | Points |
| 1st Chelsea | 60 |
| 2nd Arsenal | 48 |
| 3rd Man Utd | 44 |
| 4th Man City | 43 |
| 5th Brighton | 28 |
| 6th Aston Villa | 25 |
Last season, the Villans finished 15 points above the relegation zone thanks to their strong finish.
The campaign got off to a disastrous start under Robert de Pauw, and Arroyo was left to pick up the pieces and chase any hope of a top-half finish.
The Villa Park club’s start to the transfer window has some fans dreaming of a spot in the European places, but they still need more reinforcements if they are to leapfrog Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, or Brighton in the chase for the top four.
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