Scotland skipper Rachel Corsie has joined FAWSL side Aston Villa in the most significant piece of business by an English club on transfer deadline day.
Aberdonian Corsie, 32, has spent three-and-a-half years playing her club football in the United States, but departed NWSL side Kansas City Current for the Villains.
The vastly-experienced Corsie has penned a two-and-a-half-year deal – subject to international clearance – and will be at Villa until at least the end of the 2024 campaign,
Centre-half Corsie previously turned out for Notts County in England earlier in her career, and also had a short spell on loan at Birmingham City in the FAWSL in 2020 during the US off-season.
While at Birmingham, she played under current Villa manager Carla Ward, who said of her mid-season signing: “Rachel is someone I admired greatly while working with her last season.
“When we heard of her availability during this transfer window, we simply couldn’t ignore her leadership and overall quality.
“She will guide our young talent and will also give us another dimension at the back. We’re delighted to add her to the squad.”
Granite City native Corsie’s other clubs include Aberdeen Ladies, Glasgow City, Seattle Reign, Utah Royals (before the NWSL franchise moved to Kansas City) and Canberra United.
The Evening Express columnist led Scotland’s Women’s National Team on the field during their maiden World Cup campaign in 2019.