Leicester City sign Tottenham defender Ashleigh Neville

Leicester have signed experienced Tottenham defender Ashleigh Neville on a one-and-a-half-year deal.

The 32-year-old has been with Tottenham for almost a decade and has played a key role in their development as a Women’s Super League side.

She was part of the squad when they first joined WSL 2 in 2017-18 and helped them gain promotion to the top tier in 2019.

The wing-back also started Tottenham’s first women’s major final when they were runners-up to Manchester United in the 2024 FA Cup.

Speaking to Foxes Hub, Neville said: “This is a new challenge and I want to help the team put as many points on the board as possible.

“I’m hoping that the experience I have both on and off the pitch can help.

“Now is the right time for a new challenge and I’m looking forward to seeing what this new chapter will bring.”

In total, Neville appeared 191 times for Tottenham and built up vast experience in the WSL, which was an attraction for Leicester manager Rick Passmoor.

She joins Leicester following the arrivals of Sweden midfielder Emma Jansson from FC Rosengard and Aston Villa full-back Sarah Mayling on loan.

Former England striker Ellen White told BBC’s Women’s Football Weekly podcast: “She’s gone from amateur football through to the professional era and seen the growth of the game, and of Tottenham. She’s been a part of it.

“She probably wants more game time and Passmoor is looking for more experience to help. Leicester have a young team at the moment.

“It will probably be a sad and emotional time for her to leave a club she has grown with. I’m sure the fans and her team-mates really appreciate what she’s done.”

Passmoor’s side are ninth in the WSL table with two wins and three draws from their opening 11 matches.