Tottenham's Kirsty Hanson Signing Could Prove Summer's Smartest Deal

Tottenham Hotspur have made several high-profile signings this summer, but it is a move that has slipped under the radar that could prove to be the most astute. Kirsty Hanson has joined Spurs from Aston Villa, and there is growing belief that the club have quietly secured a recruitment masterstroke.

The 28-year-old Scotland forward was the third-highest goalscorer in the Women's Super League last season, netting 12 goals in 22 matches for a Villa side that finished ninth. Only PFA player of the year Khadija Shaw and England striker Alessia Russo scored more. Despite her individual success, Hanson decided to leave Villa Park for north London, a decision she says was driven by Tottenham's ambition and the influence of manager Martin Ho.

A Career Revived at Aston Villa

Hanson's career reached new heights last season, but her journey to that point was marked by steady progress during a four-year spell at Villa. Before joining the Midlands club, she played a key role in Manchester United's development as a professional women's team, though she struggled for regular game time towards the end of her time there.

When Villa brought her in initially on loan in 2022, Hanson was low on confidence and in need of a boost. She leaves with 26 goals in 100 appearances and two player-of-the-season awards, a testament to her resurgence.

"I've got to thank Villa so much. They know that I left on good terms. I really enjoyed my time," Hanson told BBC Sport. "Everyone there helped me boost my confidence again. Hopefully, I can just build on that now, but I'm not putting pressure on myself."

She added: "It was obviously a very tough decision to leave Villa but just looking at Spurs, you could see their ambition and each season they have been improving. When they appointed Martin [Ho] as manager, I think that was a big statement because he is one of the best coaches I've worked with."

Reunited with Martin Ho

Hanson previously worked with Ho during his time as assistant coach at Manchester United between 2020 and 2023. Ho made Hanson a key transfer target this summer, and the club backed him by securing the striker for an undisclosed fee.

"I know he gets the best out of me with the detail he puts in. I really think that will push me further on in my career," Hanson said. "The signings Tottenham have made shows they really want to push on and win things. I want to achieve that while I'm here."

The forward has been impressed by the intensity of pre-season under Ho: "Training's been really tough. It was probably one of the toughest pre-seasons I've done so far. Martin is challenging us, trying to push us to our limits. That's what I really wanted, because I needed a challenge. I don't just want to be signed because they think I'm good, I want them to improve me."

Competition for Places at Spurs

Tottenham finished fifth last season and are aiming to break into the top three to qualify for the Women's Champions League. Alongside Hanson, the club have signed West Ham's top-scorer Shekiera Martinez, France defender Alice Sombath from Lyon, and creative midfielder Victoria Pelova from rivals Arsenal.

The influx of talent means fierce competition for starting spots, a prospect Hanson welcomes. "I'm definitely comfortable [in the WSL] now but I still don't see myself as one of the best. I'm very critical of myself," she said. "It's going to be tough. I'm not expecting anything. My main aim is just to be better because I've got so many levels to go to. Martin knows that as well."

She added: "I knew the level of players that were here. I'm just so excited to learn from them. I'm also here to help others, because that's what I've done at every club. I might not be the most talented but I've got a lot of fight and hunger in me. I literally run through a brick wall for my team. Hopefully I've showed them that."

Hanson's quality is unquestionable, and with a point to prove, she could be the difference-maker Tottenham need to take the next step.