Crystal Palace sign England Under-23 striker Lexi Lloyd-Smith

Crystal Palace have completed the signing of England Under-23s striker Lexi Lloyd-Smith on a three-year contract, the club announced on Friday. The 23-year-old joins Palace after a standout season with Bristol City in the Women's Championship (WSL2), where she was the division's top scorer with 23 goals in 48 appearances.

Return to South London Roots

Lloyd-Smith, who grew up in Peckham, south London, expressed her excitement about returning to her hometown club. "I know I'm going to be playing for something more now – my roots, where I'm from. I'll always be proud to be from Peckham. It means everything," she said.

The striker will be playing in the top flight for the first time with Palace, who secured promotion to the Women's Super League (WSL) by finishing as runners-up in the Championship last season. Palace manager Jo Potter praised Lloyd-Smith's abilities, calling her a "real talent" who "showed us all what she could do in the WSL2 last season."

Summer of Strengthening

Lloyd-Smith's arrival continues a busy summer of recruitment for Palace as they prepare for their WSL return. Earlier this week, the club signed Lionesses striker Bethany England, adding further firepower to their attack. The Eagles are aiming to establish themselves in the top flight after a one-season absence.

Lloyd-Smith's move marks a significant step in her career, having developed through the England youth system and proven her goalscoring ability in the second tier. Palace fans will hope her form translates to the WSL as the club looks to compete with established sides.