Saints Women confirm loan signing of Aston Villa forward

The 21-year-old arrives on the South Coast for her third senior loan move, with experience in the WSL and Championship already under her belt.

Ahead of another season of making her mark, Gregory said "I'm really excited to be a part of it, I think it's going to be a really exciting year for us as a group.

"We've got a really hard-working and talented group. The ambition of the club is huge and for me, it's exactly the step I want to take in this part of my career.

"I think for me, I want to reach the levels I know I can get to, but most importantly for the team to get to the level it can - there's no limit on it."

Saints have announced the loan signing of Freya Gregory from Aston Villa (Image: Southampton FC)

After coming through the youth ranks at both Aston Villa and Birmingham, it was at the Blues where Gregory broke through into senior football.

She made her debut in November 2019 at just 16 years old, playing three times in the WSL in her first season at St. Andrews.

A return to Villa followed, totalling 27 appearances since the 2020/21 campaign. Further top-flight experience came on loan at Leicester, where she played 13 games.

She spent the 2023/24 season on loan in the Championship with Reading, scoring two goals in eight appearances for the strugglers.

Director of women’s football, Marieanne Spacey-Cale added: “We’re delighted to add Freya's quality to the group.

"She's a dynamic, attack-minded player that can bring us something extra this year. She's already gained experience at this level and in the WSL.

"She knows a handful of the squad which will be an important combination to hopefully hit the ground running when the season begins."