Manchester United Women have announced the signing of emerging Spain international full-back Ona Batlle as the club aims to improve on an impressive fourth place finish in their debut Women’s Super League season in 2019/20.
Batlle, who was first capped by Spain at senior level last year, arrives in Manchester from former club Levante on a two-year contract that can be extended to 2023.
A Catalunya native, the 21-year-old defender also spent time at Barcelona in her youth.
“It’s an honour and a pleasure to sign for Manchester United,” Batlle told the club’s official website.
“To work with Casey [Stoney] and be a part of this team is a fantastic opportunity. To have the chance to come over to play in England and really push myself as a player is very exciting. I can’t wait to meet my new team-mates and help to contribute to as much success as I can.”
United manager Stoney commented, “Ona is an exciting young full-back with fantastic pace and a real attacking mindset, her style of play fits perfectly with the philosophy we have at the club.
“She is a hard worker and broke into the senior Spain side last year which shows the talent she possesses and I know she will have a great impact for us. It’s fantastic to have Ona join the club and we’re looking forward to working with her.”
Batlle is already the second senior signing of the summer for United following last week’s capture of experienced WSL star and England international midfielder Lucy Staniforth.
The club has also been busy securing existing stars Jess Sigsworth, Amy Turner, Ella Toone and Kirsty Hanson to new contracts, while midfielder Aimee Palmer, back-up goalkeeper Aurora Mikalsen and Scotland forward Lizzie Arnot, who scored United’s first ever competitive goal following the club’s 2018 launch, have all left since the premature end of the season.
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Source : 90min