Aston Villa sign French defender Deslandes | OneFootball

Aston Villa have completed the signing of French defender Océane Deslandes on a free transfer.

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

The 24-year-old defender joins Aston Villa after leaving former club Montpellier HSC last month when her contract with the Arkema Première Ligue side came to an end. Deslandes spent three seasons with La Paillade in which she helped the club to achieve three consecutive top half of the table finishes. The player has also previously played for Stade de Reims.

On the international stage, Deslandes has represented France at various youth levels. She is still to make her mark on the senior team.

After signing for Aston Villa, Deslandes said “I came from France where football is in our blood and defending is an art. I read the game like a story; each move, each movement measured and made mine. Now, I wear these colours [of Aston Villa] with pride, with purpose ready to write a new chapter.”

Deslandes is Aston Villa head coach Natalia Arroyo’s fifth signing of the summer transfer window. The club could make further additions before the new Barclays Women’s Super League season gets underway in September.