Nigeria’s Super Falcons defender, Ashleigh Plumptre, has secured a free transfer from Leicester City Women to join Al-Ittihad Ladies in Saudi Arabia.
Plumptre announced her move to Al-Ittihad on Wednesday on her X handle, which was formerly known as Twitter.
The 25-year-old played every game for the Super Falcons as Nigeria reached the round of 16 at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
She wrote, “Grateful to have signed for Al-Ittihad. Excited to start this journey alongside some incredible human beings. My journey of stepping into more of myself continues. It’s more than football.”
“Football for me is about connecting not only with myself but with people around me, whether my teammates or staff.”
“Everything I have done in my career so far is about doing something bigger than myself. I joined Al Ittihad because of new opportunities on and off the pitch. I’m not here with any expectations; I’m here to be myself.”
“I hope that I can learn and take so much from the environment as a football player and, more importantly, as a human being.”
While Plumptre was heavily rumored to be considering a switch to various top-tier English clubs, notably Manchester United’s Ladies, her confirmed move to Saudi Arabia has laid all speculations to rest.
Before departing Leicester Women at the conclusion of the last season, Plumptre featured in a total of 79 matches for the team.