Manchester United Women have confirmed that Swedish defender Lotta Okvist has joined the club from Hammarby ahead of the new Barclays FA Women’s Super League season.
Okvist is the sixth United signing of the summer off the back of last season’s Women’s Championship title and promotion, while she is only the club’s second ever overseas player following the recent arrival of Dutch midfielder and World Cup finalist Jackie Groenen.
✍️ We are delighted to announce @LottaOkvist has joined #MUWomen!
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) August 20, 2019
Welcome to the club, Lotta 🙌🙌 pic.twitter.com/1OUvNERySo
At 22 years of age, Okvist is still a young talent and has represented Sweden at various junior international levels. That included winning the 2015 Under-19 European Championship.
She has experience of professional soccer in the United States after being signed by Boston Breakers and later being acquired by Houston Dash and traded to Orlando Pride.
Okvist got her start with Swedish giants Pitea and has also played for local heavyweights Umea.
England internationals Abbie McManus and Mary Earps, Scotland forward Jane Ross and Wales midfielder Hayley Ladd are the other players to have arrived at United this summer.
🏴 @1MaryEarps and @Abss_5 have been named in the latest @Lionesses squad!
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) August 20, 2019
Best of luck, ladies! 👊 pic.twitter.com/tpOHDiUZDI
The club recently lost captain and star left-back Alex Greenwood to reigning four-time back-to-back Champions League winners Lyon.
Speaking about Greenwood’s departure earlier this month, United manager Casey Stoney said to MUTV: “Alex was a big part of the team last year, and will forever remain in this team’s history, but I’ve always said it’s not just one player, it’s all about the squad.”
Thank you to everyone at @ManUtdWomen for a fantastic time. I loved every minute of getting the club to where it belongs. A special thank you to the barmy army, my time wouldn’t have been the same without your support - I wish the club the best of luck for the upcoming season 👍🏼 pic.twitter.com/QXkdBKYlAH
— Alex Greenwood (@AlexGreenwood) August 8, 2019
United will begin the 2019/20 WSL season with a ‘baptism of fire’ style derby clash against local rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on 7 September.
Source : 90min