Crystal Palace sign Tottenham defender Molly Bartrip
Short overview
Crystal Palace have signed Tottenham defender Molly Bartrip on a three-year deal. The 30-year-old reunites with Bethany England as Palace strengthen their squad ahead of their return to the Women's Super League.
Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Tottenham Hotspur defender Molly Bartrip for an undisclosed fee, the club announced. The 30-year-old joins on a three-year contract and becomes one of several new arrivals as Palace prepare for their return to the Women's Super League (WSL).
Bartrip spent five years at Tottenham, making over 100 appearances and serving as vice-captain since 2023. She played in every match during the 2024–25 season and signed a three-year contract extension following that campaign. The defender also featured for England's youth teams and was part of the Tottenham squad that reached the Women's FA Cup final for the first time in 2024.
Reunion with Bethany England
At Palace, Bartrip will reunite with former Tottenham captain Bethany England, who joined the club earlier in the transfer window. The pair played together at Spurs and bring significant WSL experience to the newly promoted side.
Strong transfer window for Palace
Palace secured promotion to the WSL after finishing second in the second tier last season. Alongside Bartrip and England, the club has also signed Lexi Lloyd-Smith, last season's top scorer in the second tier. These additions underline Palace's ambition to compete in the top flight.
Bartrip's arrival adds defensive solidity and leadership to a squad that will face the challenges of the WSL. Her experience in high-pressure matches, including cup finals, will be valuable as Palace aim to establish themselves among England's elite women's clubs.
More on these topics
Vidosic leaves Brighton days before WSL season starts
Brighton manager Dario Vidosic has left the club just a week before the new Women's Super League season to pursue a new opportunity. The Australian led Brighton to a fifth-place finish and an FA Cup final in his two seasons, with reports linking him to NWSL side Angel City.
Tottenham's Kirsty Hanson Signing Could Prove Summer's Smartest Deal
Kirsty Hanson's move from Aston Villa to Tottenham may have gone under the radar, but the Scotland forward was the WSL's third-highest scorer last season. With 12 goals in 22 matches, she could be the key to Spurs' top-three ambitions.
Gay World Cup Winner Faces Backlash After Saudi Move
Spain forward Esther Gonzalez has faced criticism after joining Saudi Women's Premier League club Al Qadsiah, following her departure from Gotham FC citing personal reasons. Fans and LGBTQ+ advocates have expressed concerns over her safety in a country where same-sex relationships are illegal.
Sydney Leroux: From U-20 Star to World Cup Champion
Sydney Leroux made history at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Chile 2008, winning the Golden Ball and Golden Boot. She later helped the USA claim Olympic gold in 2012 and the Women's World Cup in 2015, cementing her legacy.
