Southampton recruit new faces in pursuit of WSL promotion

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·16 Juli 2025

Southampton recruit new faces in pursuit of WSL promotion

Southampton have announced the permanent signing of Maria Edwards from Blackburn Rovers. The Saints have also sealed a season-long loan move for Manchester United defender Jess Simpson.

Maria Edwards, the 22-year-old versatile attacker, joins The Saints following the conclusion of her contract with Blackburn Rovers. Originally coming through the academies at both Manchester City and Manchester United, the attacker initially joined Blackburn on loan during the 20/21 campaign.

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After this short loan spell, Edwards moved abroad to get her first taste of top-flight senior football with SGS Essen in the Frauen Bundesliga. Returning to Blackburn Rovers last summer, the former England youth international scored eight goals across 24 appearances.

Ahead of her move to the South Coast, Edwards said: “When I first had conversations with the club, I knew it was definitely the right place to be with the ambition and vision the club has. The style of play that this club plays is really suited to me as well, so there were no second thoughts about joining.”

Jess Simpson joins on loan

Eyeing a promotion to the WSL, the Saints have also recruited the Manchester United defender on a season-long loan move.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JULY 08: New Southampton signing Jess Simpson, at the Staplewood Campus, on July 08, 2025 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images)

The 20-year-old arrives from the WSL side, aiming to bolster the defence and push for promotion. After rising through the age groups at United, Simpson gained her first senior experience whilst on loan with Bristol City in 2023.

An untimely injury and recovery period followed before the defender made both her Manchester United and England Under-23s debuts in 2024, and ventured back to Bristol City for another loan spell.

Looking to take the next step in her career, Simpson said: “I just want to be the best I can, help the team as much as I can and strive for the best. I’ve met a couple of the girls already, and just seeing the togetherness in the team is already something special. Hopefully we can achieve so much together, and I’m excited for what the season holds.”