Tottenham Hotspur defender Ash Neville has signed for Leicester City for an undisclosed fee, bringing an end to her eight year spell at Spurs.

The 32 year old full back has agreed a one and a half year contract with the Foxes holding an additional one year extension option.

Neville has made over 100 appearances for Tottenham in the top flight since their promotion to the WSL in 2018-19. She signed from Coventry United in 2017 and became the first Spurs player to make a century of WSL appearances, finishing with 115 league games and 191 appearances overall.

New Challenge Awaits Club Legend

Speaking to Foxes Hub, Neville explained her decision to move. “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.”

The defender could face her former teammates on Sunday as the WSL resumes following the winter break. Leicester currently sit in the Championship after relegation last season but are targeting an immediate return to the top flight.

Spurs Pay Tribute to Pioneer

Tottenham managing director Andy Rogers paid tribute to Neville’s contribution. “Ash’s contribution to the club has been immense. She has been influential on our journey to establishing ourselves as a Women’s Super League team, and she departs as an undisputed club legend.”

Rogers added: “A true pioneer of the women’s game on and off the pitch, Ash has always shown love and care to her teammates, staff, and our supporters. Forever a member of the Spurs family.”

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Tottenham Hotspur officially announced on January 5, 2026 that Julie Blakstad has signed as a free agent from Swedish club Hammarby IF. The 24 year old Norwegian international will wear number 41 and returns to the Women’s Super League two years after departing Manchester City.

Blakstad becomes Spurs’ fifth January signing and fifth Swedish player signing following Hannah Wijk and Matilda Nilden arriving recently. Head coach Martin Ho described her as a modern dynamic full-back bringing attacking edge to Tottenham’s defence.

The Manchester City Return

Blakstad previously played for Manchester City between January 2022 and March 2023, making 36 appearances and scoring 10 goals. She helped City win the League Cup during her spell before moving to Swedish football for consistent playing time.

Her performances at Hammarby impressed multiple WSL clubs including Liverpool and Arsenal, but Blakstad chose Tottenham’s development focused environment. She will reunite with fellow Hammarby product Cathinka Tandberg at North London.

Hammarby Excellence and International Pedigree

At Hammarby, Blakstad scored 15 goals and provided six assists in 26 appearances during her most recent season across all competitions. She also scored three goals in Champions League competition against elite European opposition.

Her 31 Norway caps included scoring their opening goal at Euro 2022, establishing herself as a key international performer. She represented Norway at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup demonstrating elite tournament experience.

Strategic Spurs Recruitment

Martin Ho identified Blakstad as a clear priority despite strong European competition for her signature. Spurs recognised her attacking qualities combined with defensive intensity required at the highest level.

Her versatility across multiple midfield and defensive positions provides tactical flexibility. Blakstad returns to England eager to prove herself at elite WSL level after two productive years developing in Sweden. Tottenham’s aggressive January window signals title ambitions as Martin Ho builds his squad capable of challenging Manchester City and Arsenal immediately.

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Tottenham Women have signed Japan international Maika Hamano on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season, marking their fourth signing of the January transfer window. The 21 year old versatile attacker joins fellow new arrivals Matilda Nildén, Hannah Wijk and Signe Gaupset as Martin Ho strengthens his squad for a top four push.

Hamano joined Chelsea from INAC Kobe Leonessa in 2023 and was a member of Japan’s 2023 World Cup and 2024 Paris Olympics squads. However, she has seen limited minutes at Stamford Bridge this season under Sonia Bompastor, prompting the loan move to secure regular playing time.

Versatile Forward Provides Emergency Cover

The attacker can play anywhere across the forward line, operating on both flanks and centrally. She appears to be emergency cover for Jess Naz, who is out for the rest of the season after suffering an ACL injury in December. The loan is believed to be a dry loan with no purchase option included.

The only downside to Hamano’s arrival is that she will miss a couple of games this spring alongside fellow Japan international Toko Koga for the Asian Cup. Claire Hunt will also be absent during that period for international duty.

Spurs Positioning for Top Four Finish

Tottenham’s aggressive January business signals their ambition to finish in the top four or five this season. Reports suggest they are not finished in the transfer market with Julie Blakstad and Larissa Mühlhaus also mentioned as potential targets.

The club has moved swiftly to address squad weaknesses after struggling in the first half of the campaign. Hamano’s versatility gives Ho tactical flexibility as Spurs look to climb the WSL table when they return from the winter break on January 10.

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