SAINTS Women have signed goalkeeper Fran Stenson as the club's fourth arrival of the summer.

The England youth international joins after leaving fellow Barclays Women's Championship side Sheffield United, where she made 25 appearances across the last two campaigns.

The 23 year old began her career in the youth ranks at Birmingham City and made her senior debut for the Blues before signing for WSL giants Manchester City in 2018.

Spells with City and Arsenal followed as she gained experience at two of the biggest clubs in the country, whilst also spending time out on loan and rising through the England youth age groups.

After loans with Blackburn, Brighton, and Birmingham, she made her next career move to Sheffield United for the 2022/23 campaign.

Fran Stenson joins after leaving Sheffield UnitedFran Stenson joins after leaving Sheffield United (Image: Southampton FC)

Stenson follows former-Blades teammate Tara Bourne down to the South Coast as the pair both made the switch as Saints' latest incomings.

"I'm really happy to get the deal done," Stenson explained. "I feel like the club has high ambitions which align with mine and I think it's going to be a very exciting season.

"I think the club are really serious about the women's side. The way that the club is investing at the minute is certainly a positive.

For myself right now, I feel like this is a club that can move me forward and hopefully I can move with the team.

"I think it's going to be a very competitive group, we've got great keepers and I think we can all learn off each other.

"They can definitely raise my game and I can definitely raise theirs - that's a really important part to have so we can push on."

Director of women’s football, Marieanne Spacey-Cale added: “We're delighted to welcome Fran to the club, and looking forward to seeing the strong competition she will add to our goalkeeping group.

"We have an exciting group of goalkeepers now, who will push themselves and each other to improve and make a big impact this season."

First-choice goalkeeper Kayla Rendell has recently undergone surgery, but no time frame has been given on her recovery.

Stenson's arrival follows deals for Bourne, Welsh international Rachel Rowe and Freya Gregory, who has joined on loan from Aston Villa.

Saints Women are yet to announce a new manager following Spacey-Cale's move to a more senior position.

Players have reported to Staplewood for pre-season as preparations ramp up ahead of the 2024/25 Championship season.