Tottenham Hotspur have broken their women's transfer record to sign Alice Sombath, the France defender, from OL Lyonnes. The 22-year-old joins for an undisclosed fee, surpassing the previous club record of over £375,000 paid for Signe Gaupset in January. Sombath is excited about the challenge, stating, "The league is very competitive, every game is a tough game and that’s what I’m most excited about."
Why Alice Sombath Is a Game-Changer for Spurs
Sombath spent six years at Lyonnes, the eight-time European champions, after moving from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020. She won the Champions League in her second season, appearing twice and featuring on the bench in the final. Her trophy cabinet also includes five league titles and two Coupe de France titles. Tottenham's head coach, Martin Ho, praised her fit: "She fits the profile of what we’re building. Alice is an aggressive defender who is comfortable in possession, competitive in her duels, and has the ambition to keep improving every day."
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Record Transfer Fees in Women's Football
This signing continues a trend of rising investment in women's football. Below is a comparison of recent notable transfer fees in the Women's Super League and beyond.
| Player | From | To | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alice Sombath | Lyonnes | Tottenham | Undisclosed (club record) |
| Signe Gaupset | Brann | Tottenham | ~£375,000 |
| Keira Walsh | Manchester City | Barcelona | ~£400,000 |
| Sam Kerr | Chicago Red Stars | Chelsea | Free (record salary) |
Key Takeaways from the Transfer
- Record Investment: Tottenham have shown serious ambition by breaking their own transfer record for a second time this year.
- Defensive Reinforcement: Sombath’s aggressive, ball-playing style adds depth to Spurs’ backline after a disappointing 11th-place finish two seasons ago.
- Early Business: Sombath is the sixth summer signing, allowing a full pre-season integration. The club secured all six priority targets early.
- Rising Standards: The Women's Super League continues to attract top talent, with clubs like Tottenham investing to close the gap on Manchester City and Chelsea.
What This Means for Tottenham’s Season
Tottenham finished fifth in the WSL last season, four points behind fourth-placed Manchester United but 19 behind champions Manchester City. With Sombath and other new arrivals, Martin Ho aims to push for a top-four spot. The club's early transfer activity signals a clear strategy to build a competitive squad that can challenge consistently.
FAQ
How much did Tottenham pay for Alice Sombath?
The fee has not been disclosed, but it exceeds the previous club record of more than £375,000 paid for Signe Gaupset in January 2025.
What position does Alice Sombath play?
Sombath is a centre-back who can also play as a full-back. She is known for her aggressive defending, comfort on the ball, and strong dueling ability.
How many trophies has Alice Sombath won?
During her six years at Lyonnes, she won the Champions League (2022), five league titles, and two Coupe de France titles.
Who else did Tottenham sign this summer?
Sombath joins Shekiera Martinez, Kirsty Hanson, Victoria Pelova, Caitlin Dijkstra, and Selma Panengstuen as Tottenham's sixth summer signing.
With the transfer window closing soon, Tottenham have made a clear statement of intent. The addition of Alice Sombath not only breaks records but also raises expectations for the upcoming Women's Super League season. Fans will be eager to see how the French defender adapts to her new team and helps Spurs climb the table.