We’re back with a roundup of week two of the FAWSL January 2021 transfer window. If you missed out on the biggest deals made during the first week of the window, catch them all here.
Here’s what FAWSL clubs have been up to in the meantime.
BIRMINGHAM CITY
Birmingham’s first piece of business saw them sign 23-year-old Veatriki Sarri from Championship side Sheffield United.
Signed. Sealed. Sarri delivered. ✍️ @veatriki_sarri becomes our first signing of ????????????????, joining for an undisclosed fee from Sheffield United.
— Birmingham City Women (@BCFCwomen) January 7, 2021
Sarri has played for Sheffiled United since 2018. When she first joined the club, she was managed by Birmingham’s current manager, Carla Ward. The pair reuniting will mean that Sarri already knows Ward’s preferred management style, and the expectations she has for players.
✊ The Boss on what @veatriki_sarri will bring to the team. pic.twitter.com/yvYnvmKjGU
— Birmingham City Women (@BCFCwomen) January 8, 2021
Birmingham currently sit 7th in the table, with nine points, a massive improvement on last season, where they finished the season in 11th place with seven points, a mere point above Liverpool who were relegated to the Championship.
Defensively, Birmingham are quite solid — they’ve only let in 13 goals this season, which puts them in fifth place for goals against after Chelsea (five), Arsenal (eight), Manchester United (nine), and Manchester City (nine). Despite being ahead of them in the table, both Reading and Everton have conceded more goals, 15 and 20 respectively.
Offensively however, Birmingham have only netted nine goals this season, which puts them in ninth place in terms of goals scored in the league. Sarri coming in gives them an extra offensive player that could turn close games into wins or draws, earning them a few extra points as they look to break into the top half of the fixture.
"I am a creative player. I like to dribble, shoot and score goals. I really want to help this Club achieve bigger and better things."
— Birmingham City Women (@BCFCwomen) January 9, 2021
???????? Hear the first words from our new recruit, @veatriki_sarri!
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
So far, Tottenham Hotspur have made two signings, the first being Alanna Kennedy. Kennedy has already been at Tottenham since August of 2020, having decided to go on loan from the Orlando Pride due to the fact that the team couldn’t play because of COVID-19.
However, in November of 2020, Racing Louisville FC selected Kennedy during the NWSL expansion draft with their sixth overall pick. Because her contract with the NWSL expired in December of 2020, Kennedy was free to sign a permanent deal with Tottenham, making it unclear when, or if, she’ll return to America.
✍️ We are delighted to announce that Alanna Kennedy’s loan has been converted into a permanent transfer. #SpurHerOn ⚪️ #COYS
— Tottenham Hotspur Women (@SpursWomen) January 7, 2021
The second transfer window signing for Tottenham Hotspur was Shelina Zadorsky. Zadorsky’s situation is similar to Kennedy’s — she came to the UK after having not been able to play for Orlando due to COVID-19, and now has also signed a permanent deal with Tottenham.
✍️ We are delighted to announce that defender Shelina Zadorsky’s loan has been converted into a permanent transfer. #SpurHerOn ⚪️ #COYS
— Tottenham Hotspur Women (@SpursWomen) January 7, 2021
Both Kennedy and Zadorsky have been crucial for Tottenham this season. Kennedy has featured in all nine of Tottenham’s league games as a starting defender, and Zadorsky has featured in eight. Both have been bright spots all season, even in the early days when Tottenham were struggling.
As mainstays on their respective national teams (Australia and Canada), Kennedy and Zadorsky bring in a wealth of experience that will continue to be crucial to Tottenham under the new management of Rehanne Skinner, especially after the recent departure of Alex Morgan.
???? @AlannaKennedy ????#SpurHerOn ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/iSY8esZQPB
— Tottenham Hotspur Women (@SpursWomen) January 7, 2021
WEST HAM UNITED
Tottenham were not the only side with plans to sign permanent deals to their loanee players, with West Ham also confirming that Emily van Egmond signed a permanent contract. A member of Australia’s national team, van Egmond joined Melbourne City on loan when the Orlando Pride were unable to continue with their season, winning two trophies in Australia before joining West Ham on loan.
She's staying! ????????⚒
— West Ham United Women (@westhamwomen) January 8, 2021
We are delighted confirm the permanent signing of @Em_surf! ???? pic.twitter.com/o0PTSVxBdx
In her nine league appearances with the club, she’s scored three goals, becoming a crucial part of West Ham’s midfield. The club signing her on a permanent deal will definitely bolster their hopes that they can improve on their current 10th place. While they are unlikely to be relegated (Bristol City only have two points!), they were very much in the relegation battle at the beginning of the season. Signings like Van Egmond will help them bolster their squad and allow them to be more competitive in following seasons.
"It’s great to stay here. I’m really enjoying my football here at West Ham too, and I’m excited to be working with the new manager."
— West Ham United Women (@westhamwomen) January 8, 2021
???? @Em_surf pic.twitter.com/2Fi7ycZd88
The FAWSL is back this Sunday, with a critical match between Manchester United and Chelsea, the top two teams in the league. The transfer window likewise remains open, so stay tuned for next week’s roundup of the league’s biggest moves.
