Southampton sign defender Goddard | OneFootball

Southampton have completed the signing of defender Amy Goddard on a free transfer.

WSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official club press release from The Saints this evening.

The 26-year-old centre-back joins Southampton upon the expiry of her contract with their Barclays WSL2 rivals Sunderland. Goddard spent two seasons on Wearside, cementing her place at the heart of the Sunderland defence.

The big defender has been one of the strongest players in her position in the second tier in recent years and she will now be hoping to make her mark at Southampton.

After securing her move to St Mary’s Stadium, Goddard said “I’m buzzing, instantly when I had my first conversations I just thought it’s home to me as well.

“I’m a leader on and off the pitch so to bring that to the team and to lead from the back and dominate is what I’m about – I know the fanbase here is great and that’s what made me come here as well.

“For me to come back home and be near my family, and also be part of this great, historic club is everything I want to do and be part of in my career.”

Goddard is Southampton’s first signing of the summer transfer window.