Manchester United winger Kirsty Hanson has joined the club’s Barclays Women’s Super League rivals Aston Villa on a permanent basis.
FAWSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official club press release from The Villans this evening.
Hanson returns to Aston Villa after enjoying a successful season-long loan spell with the club last season. She has signed a two-year deal with the option of a further year.
The winger scored seven goals in 20 league appearances for Aston Villa last season as they recorded their highest-ever finish of fifth place in the Barclays Women’s Super League table.
Aston Villa boss Carla Ward was keen to thrash out a permanent deal for Hanson if circumstances at Manchester United would allow the player to move. Ward has continued her exceptional work in this summer’s transfer window by getting the deal signed and sealed.
After adding Hanson to her squad on a permanent basis, Ward said “This is a huge one for us and for the fans. We all know how important Kirsty was to us last season. The way she integrated herself into the group on and off the pitch made it feel like home for her. We’re delighted to now welcome her back and call Aston Villa her permanent home.
“Kirsty is an individual who’s hungry to keep learning and is always wanting to improve. This is an important part of her career, and the sky is the limit for her.
“I know I speak on behalf of everyone involved with this football club when I say ‘Welcome home, Kirsty’.”
Hanson becomes Aston Villa’s fourth signing of the summer transfer window.