Staniforth signs one-year Aston Villa contract, option to extend stay
Lucy Staniforth has signed a contract extension with Aston Villa, the club has confirmed.
The Villans have been determined to strengthen their squad after struggling in the Barclays Women’s Super League last season.
It seems they have gotten off to a solid start after signing Netherlands midfielder Jill Baijings on a permanent contract from Bayern Munich.
And Villa are not prepared to end the festivities so soon as Staniforth signs a new deal at Villa Park.
Aston Villa confirm Staniforth contract extension
Villa announced on Thursday (17 July) that Staniforth has signed a contract extension with the club until June 2026, with the option to extend for a further year.
The midfielder has seen her importance grow at Aston Villa since signing from Manchester United in 2023.
This includes making 46 appearances in all competitions since her debut and helping the club reach its highest-ever Women’s Super League finish. With semi-final appearances in both domestic cup competitions, her leadership from the back has proven vital in recent seasons.
As a result, Villa fans will no doubt be overjoyed at the chance to see her in action for at least another season.
Villa will have big ambitions next season
Natalia Arroyo was recognised as the Manager of the Month in May after turning Villa’s season around.
The Midlands side finished sixth in the WSL after an impressive run of form, where they picked up points against Tottenham and Arsenal in April.
| Competition | Club | Position | Points |
| Women’s Super League | Aston Villa Women | 6th | 25 |
As a result, the club will no doubt be looking to continue right where they left off once the new season commences. This means having a strong summer transfer window, but also attacking the game head-on when on the pitch.
Arroyo’s side demonstrated in the backend of last season that they have what it takes to dig deep. After a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Manchester United at Villa Park (23 March), her side went on the win all five of their WSL fixtures.
The Villans approached their confrontations with a hunger they lacked throughout the first half of the season and a willingness to take chances. This mentality is hard to come by in football and should act as an example once the forthcoming season begins.
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