Beth Mead described her move to Manchester City as a “no-brainer” after the England forward signed a three-year contract with the Women’s Super League champions on a free transfer from Arsenal.
The 31-year-old, who has 81 caps and 40 goals for England, spent nine years at Arsenal, winning the WSL, the Champions League and three League Cups. She was given an emotional send-off during the Gunners’ final home game of the season against Everton in May, but told club media she is ready for a “new chapter” at Manchester City.
“Beth Mead joins Manchester City on a three-year deal; Tottenham sign Marcos Senesi on a free transfer.”
“It was a no-brainer for me,” Mead said. “I think the way City play suits me really well and can get something extra out of my game.” She leads the WSL’s all-time assist charts with 54 contributions. City’s director of women’s football, Therese Sjögran, said: “Beth’s achievements in the game speak for themselves.”
Mead will join a star-studded City frontline that includes fellow England winger Lauren Hemp, Brazil forward Kerolin, Netherlands striker Vivianne Miedema and WSL player of the season Khadija Shaw. City have also agreed a £500,000 deal to acquire Niamh Charles from Chelsea, with the move scheduled to be completed this month.
In the Premier League, Tottenham have signed defender Marcos Senesi on a free transfer following his departure from Bournemouth. The 29-year-old Argentine centre-back, who rejected three contract offers from the Cherries earlier in the season, will officially complete his move on 1 July.
“From the first moment, the club has shown why they want me and how much they want me to be a part of what they are building. It’s exciting and something I can’t wait to be involved in,” Senesi said. “I want to win things with Tottenham and will do everything I can to make that happen.”
Senesi, capped three times by Argentina, is Tottenham’s second summer signing after Andy Robertson joined on a free transfer from Liverpool. Manager Roberto de Zerbi said the centre-back will “strengthen” his side defensively after back-to-back 17th-placed finishes in the Premier League. “He’s comfortable playing in a possession-based team, reads the game very well and has the personality to thrive in a demanding environment,” added the Italian. Wales defender Ben Davies, 33, has also agreed a new one-year contract to stay at the club, while out-of-contract midfielder Yves Bissouma will leave this summer after 90 Premier League appearances for Spurs.