Newcastle sign Spurs forward Thomas

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that Newcastle United have signed Scotland forward Martha Thomas from Tottenham Hotspur for an undisclosed fee, adding an experienced attacker to their WSL 2 squad. Thomas, 30, leaves Spurs after three years in which she scored 13 goals in 66 appearances. She spent the second half of last season on loan at Liverpool and has previously played in the Women’s Super League for Manchester United and West Ham.

At international level, Thomas has scored 21 goals in 52 matches for Scotland, although BBC Sport notes she did not play in this year’s World Cup qualifiers. Her arrival gives Newcastle a forward with both domestic top-flight and international experience as the club looks to improve after finishing sixth in WSL 2 last season.

The move comes during a busy summer for Newcastle. The team ended the previous campaign without a win in their final six matches, while leading scorer Emily Murphy has since joined Brighton. BBC Sport says Newcastle have now brought in nine players during the window, suggesting a significant reshaping of the squad.

Manager Tanya Oxtoby described Thomas as a proven striker at WSL and international level, highlighting her physical presence, work-rate and range of finishing. Thomas said she was excited to join a large club and pointed to team culture and higher standards as important factors in the move.