Tottenham have broken their women's transfer record to sign Alice Sombath, the France defender, from Olympique Lyonnais. The 22-year-old joins Spurs for an undisclosed fee, surpassing the previous club record of more than £375,000 paid for Signe Gaupset in January.
Sombath spent six years at Lyon, the eight-time European champions, after moving from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020. She won the Champions League in her second season, featuring twice and being on the bench in the final, and also claimed five league titles and two Coupe de France trophies.
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What Sombath Brings to Tottenham
Head coach Martin Ho described Sombath as an aggressive defender who is comfortable in possession and competitive in duels. “She fits the profile of what we’re building,” Ho said. “She has already shown real maturity in her performances and we believe she has all the qualities to continue developing into a top player within our environment.”
Sombath expressed excitement about the Women’s Super League: “The league is very competitive, every game is a tough game and that’s what I’m most excited about. I saw that Spurs had a very good season last year. My qualities can bring something to the team, even though I know they already have a lot.”
Spurs’ Summer Recruitment Drive
Sombath is Tottenham’s sixth signing of the summer, joining Shekiera Martinez, Kirsty Hanson, Victoria Pelova, Caitlin Dijkstra, and Selma Panengstuen. The club secured all six priority targets early, allowing for a full pre-season together.
Tottenham finished fifth in the Women’s Super League last season, a strong rebound from 11th the previous year. They were four points behind fourth-placed Manchester United but 19 behind champions Manchester City.
| Season | WSL Finish | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 5th | 38 |
| 2022/23 | 11th | 18 |
Key Takeaways
- Record signing: Alice Sombath becomes Tottenham’s most expensive women’s player.
- Proven winner: She brings Champions League and multiple league titles from Lyon.
- Defensive upgrade: Ho highlights her aggression, possession skills, and dueling ability.
- Early business: Spurs completed six signings before pre-season for optimal chemistry.
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.
What position does Alice Sombath play?
Sombath is a defender, specifically a center-back known for her aggressive style and comfort on the ball.
How many signings have Spurs made this summer?
Spurs have made six signings: Shekiera Martinez, Kirsty Hanson, Victoria Pelova, Caitlin Dijkstra, Selma Panengstuen, and Alice Sombath.