Palace Women transfer round-up: Six new signings for the Eagles

Women

5 Sep 2025

After a busy summer transfer window, it's time to meet the new faces ahead of the Barclays Women's Super League 2 season!

Tickets are now available for Palace Women's first home game of the new BWSL2 season, with the Eagles taking on Southampton at the VBS Community Stadium at 14:00 on Sunday, 14th September.

Click here to secure your seat!

Jo Potter

Though not a new signing, manager Jo Potter was the first new face to join Palace this summer.

The 40-year-old joined the club following an impressive two-year spell in charge of Scottish Women's Premier League side Rangers as well as a stint as assistant manager at Birmingham City.

During her time in Glasgow, Potter won a cup double in both of her seasons in charge, delivering four trophies in total.

Speaking after joining Palace, she said: "I’m extremely honoured to join Crystal Palace and looking forward to coming in and hitting the ground running.

“I know there’s huge ambition running throughout the club. I had a really good conversation with Steve Parish and could see how important the women’s team are to him and his aspirations for this club."

Jamie-Lee Napier

The first new player to join Palace this summer was Scotland international Jamie Napier.

Known for her leadership, the former Bristol City captain began her career at Celtic before moving to Hibernian, where she won the Scottish Women's Premier League 1 Player of the Year award in 2018.

She then signed her first professional contract with Chelsea in 2019 and later spent two years at London City Lionesses, playing alongside several current Palace teammates, before joining Bristol City in 2023.

Speaking about her move to Palace, she said: "“I'm delighted to be here, I'm really looking forward to getting started!

“I had a really good conversation with Jo, and I think both the club and I share similar values, goals and ambitions.”

Justine Vanhaevermaet

33-year-old Belgium international Justine Vanhaevermaet joined Palace on a two-year deal in August.

Her career began in Belgium, where she won three Belgian Women's Cups. Vanhaevermaet's journey has taken her to top leagues across Europe, including Germany, Norway, and England's WSL with Reading and Everton.

A veteran with 77 caps for Belgium, she played in the UEFA Women's European Championship in 2022 and 2025, scoring against Spain in the latter tournament.

Known for her composure, strong passing, and high work rate, Vanhaevermaet brings a powerful mix of technical skill and top-level experience to the Palace squad.

Speaking on her move to Palace, she said: "I've spoken to the manager and she explained me her ambitions for this season.

“I immediately had a good feeling with her and the style of football she wants to play."

Lola Brown

The first of three loanees to sign for the Eagles this summer was Lola Brown, who joined on a season-long loan from Chelsea in August.

The talented 17-year-old has already made her mark with Chelsea, having earned her senior debut in the UEFA Women's Champions League and her WSL debut last season. Her impressive performances also earned her the Chelsea Women's Academy Player of the Season award.

Known for her technical ability and dynamic box-to-box style, Brown has also represented England up to the Under-19 level. She played a key role in helping the Young Lionesses achieve a historic fourth-place finish at the 2024 Under-17s World Cup.

Speaking on her move to the club, she said: "It feels amazing to be here. I can't wait to get started, to get to know the girls and start working hard."

Emma Watson

Emma Watson was the second loanee to join Palace this summer, signing from Manchester United on a season-long loan in August.

Named the PFA Scotland Women's Young Player of the Year in 22/23, Watson made her Rangers debut when she was just 15, and made her Scotland debut at 17.

She arrives as a versatile midfielder who brings plenty of energy and tenacity to the squad, along with an eye for goal.

Describing her style of play, Watson said: “I like to think I'm a player that has a lot of energy on the pitch.

“I'm very attacking, forward thinking, I like to be creative on the ball and try things. I also like the other side of the game, the hard, graft, defending sides.

“I do like a tackle, I'm from Scotland, so I don't mind a challenge!”

Kirsty Howat

Kirsty Howat was Palace's fifth signing of the window, and the third Scotland international to join in the summer, alongside Jamie-Lee Napier and Emma Watson.

The 28-year-old forward brings a proven winning mentality to Palace, having lifted seven major trophies across her time at Glasgow City and Rangers.

Her accolades include a domestic double with Glasgow City and four trophies during her second spell at Rangers, two of which were won during Jo Potter's first season in charge.

Speaking on her move to Palace, she said: "Yeah, I'm excited to be here and to work with the team. They seem like a really, really good group of girls.

"I'm excited to work with Jo again and all the staff, and experience a new challenge and a new league."

Eve Annets

Promising young goalkeeper Eve Annets was Palace's final signing of the season, joining from Manchester City on a season-long loan in September.

Annets, a former Reading academy standout, made her senior debut against Tottenham Hotspur in the Continental Cup group stage in October 2023.

She has also represented England's Under-19s, earning her first youth international cap in a 5-0 win over Denmark.

Despite her young age, she is known for her composure with the ball at her feet and her ability to dominate the penalty area.

Speaking on her move to Palace, she said: “Absolutely stoked to be here. There is a really good set-up here and I want to be part of it. I am really, really excited.”

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