Newcastle United Women have completed the signing of Nigerian-eligible forward Ashanti Akpan from Chelsea Women for an undisclosed fee
The highly rated youngster joins the Magpies on a permanent deal from the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) side, bringing an end to her long association with Chelsea.
Akpan spent the first half of the current season on loan at Southampton Women, where she gained valuable first-team experience.
Akpan’s move concludes a remarkable 12-year spell with the Blues, having joined the club’s academy at the age of seven.
She progressed through the ranks and made her senior debut for Chelsea at just 17, coming on as a substitute in an FA Cup clash against Reading Women.
Following her breakthrough, Akpan went on to sign her first professional contract with Chelsea later that year, underlining her potential as one of the brightest young prospects in the women’s game.
Her arrival is seen as a significant boost for Newcastle United Women as they continue to strengthen their squad ahead of the second half of the season.
Despite representing England women at the junior level, she’s still eligible to switch allegiance and play for Nigeria
