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Tottenham Hotspur Women have finalised the high-profile signing of France international defender Alice Sombath from Lyon for a club-record fee, which remains undisclosed. The talented centre-back joins the north London outfit after a highly successful spell in France, bringing both experience and quality to head coach Martin Ho's strengthening squad ahead of the forthcoming season.

Spurs complete record acquisition

Tottenham Women have officially confirmed the capture of Alice Sombath from Lyon, marking a new club-record transfer. While the exact fee paid for the 22-year-old defender has not been revealed, reports indicate that it exceeds the amount spent to sign Signe Gaupset in January, which was believed to be over £375,000. Sombath becomes the sixth signing of the summer window for the north London club.

Sombath embraces fresh challenge

Having made her senior debut with Les Fenottes at just 16, Sombath made history as the first player of Thai descent to lift the UEFA Women’s Champions League trophy. Her journey from a teenage prodigy to a seasoned defender has been marked by success and resilience.

After being named in the France squad for Euro 2025, the young defender is eager to embark on a new chapter in England with Tottenham. Speaking to the club’s official website, Sombath shared: “I had many discussions with my entourage, and I felt it was the right time to switch clubs and take on a new challenge.

“It means a lot to me. It’s a new team, a new environment. After spending six years with my previous club, this is a fresh challenge and I’m really excited to begin the season. The league is very competitive, and I’m looking forward to those tough matches. Every game is demanding, and that’s what drives me.”

Ho applauds Sombath’s quality and mindset

Sombath’s arrival completes Martin Ho’s list of six key summer signings, following the additions of Shekiera Martinez, Kirsty Hanson, Victoria Pelova, Caitlin Dijkstra, and Selma Panengstuen.

Reflecting on the new recruit’s credentials, Ho commented: “She perfectly fits the profile of the kind of squad we’re building. Alice has already displayed impressive maturity in her performances, and we’re confident she has the attributes to continue her development into a top-tier player within our setup.

“Alice is an assertive defender who is composed on the ball, relentless in her duels, and possesses the hunger to keep improving daily. Those traits are crucial to our philosophy, and we’re thrilled to help her reach the next stage of her career while further reinforcing the team.”

Spurs aim for top-four breakthrough

Completing their transfer business well ahead of the new season gives Ho’s side a strong platform as they prepare through a full pre-season. After rising impressively from 11th to fifth place last season, Tottenham Women now have their sights set on a top-four finish as they continue to narrow the gap with the league’s leading teams. Sombath’s international pedigree and winning mentality are expected to play an instrumental role when the new Women’s Super League campaign begins on September 4.