Watford have completed the signing of teenage defender Zara Bailey on a free transfer.
The Golden Girls announced news of the deal via a post on their official club website yesterday afternoon.
The 18-year-old defender joins Watford following a spell with Barclays Women’s Super League side Crystal Palace. Bailey made one first team appearance for The Eagles last season which came in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup. She was also named amongst the Crystal Palace substitutes on a number of occasions, although she remained unused.
Prior to her spell at Crystal Palace, Bailey developed within the academy system at Tottenham Hotspur. She made one senior appearance for The Lilywhites.
On the international stage, Bailey has represented England at various youth levels up to and including Under-17 level.
The defender joins a Watford side who are returning to the professional game this season. The Golden Girls won the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division title last season to seal their Barclays WSL2 return. Watford have struggled in the second tier in recent times but the club will be hoping for a longer stay at that level of football this time around.
Bailey is Watford’s first signing of the summer transfer window.