Maria Reynolds has signed for Barclays Women’s Super League 2 club Sheffield United from Shamrock Rovers, The Halfway Line understands.
The Halfway Line has exclusively learnt that Ireland international Maria Reynolds has signed for the Blades on a two-year deal, with the option of a further year. It is understood that the transfer fee is a record for a player moving from Ireland.
Maria Reynolds set for the Steel City
Carla Ward is thought to have been a driving force behind the move, with Ward keen for Reynolds to begin playing full time football in the UK. The Ireland head coach is very familiar with Sheffield having played for Sheffield FC for seven years before herself making the switch to Sheffield United in 2017. The hope for both Ward and Reynolds will be that this move can help Reynolds cement her place in the senior Ireland set up after enjoying a place in the last couple of squads. With a FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil on the horizon it was particularly important for this deal to happen now.
Reynolds joins former Rovers team mate Joy Ralph at Sheffield United as the club look to build on an improved season last term in the WSL 2. Reynolds herself has enjoyed a number of impressive seasons in Ireland at the Tallaght based club. She was named in the Women’s Premier Division Team of the Season last term as Shamrock Rovers came fifth. The 22 year old centre back has also made a bright start to this season with the Dublin side currently sitting in fourth.
Reynolds will be the Blades’ fourth signing of the summer after recently completing a marquee deal for WSL 2 promotion winner Gracie Pearse from Charlton. Pearse joined after the club secured moves for goalkeeper Poppy Soper from Rugby Borough and full back Chloe Warrington from Glasgow City. Sheffield United’s official announcement of Maria Reynolds signing is expected tomorrow.
