Palace sign Tottenham defender Bartrip

What the report says

Crystal Palace have added Tottenham defender Molly Bartrip in an undisclosed-fee move, with the newly promoted Women’s Super League side giving her a three-year contract. According to BBC Sport, the 30-year-old joins Palace after five years at Spurs and becomes one of several summer arrivals as the club prepares for its return to the top flight.

Bartrip made more than 100 appearances for Tottenham and was named vice-captain in 2023. She also featured in every match of the 2024–25 season and had recently signed a three-year extension, underlining how important she had become to the club. BBC Sport reported that she was part of the Tottenham squad that reached the Women’s FA Cup final for the first time in 2024.

The transfer also reunites Bartrip with Bethany England, Tottenham’s former captain, who has already joined Palace. That pairing gives Palace added WSL experience as they strengthen for life back in the league after finishing second in the second tier last season and earning promotion.

BBC Sport also noted that Palace have signed last season’s WSL 2 top scorer Lexi Lloyd-Smith, suggesting a busy summer rebuild. For Palace, the addition of established top-flight players is a sign of ambition as they look to establish themselves after promotion.