Aston Villa sign Emily Ramsey as Bethany England joins Crystal Palace

Aston Villa have signed the former Everton goalkeeper Emily Ramsey on a free transfer, while Bethany England’s Palace move has been confirmed

Aston Villa have signed the former Everton goalkeeper Emily Ramsey on a free transfer.

The 25-year-old received a call-up by England in 2023 – as part of the squad that won that year’s invitational Arnold Clark Cup – and in 2021 for a training camp, but is yet to earn a senior cap. Ramsey was a regular in England youth international sides throughout the age groups and is highly admired by Villa.

Ramsey helped Manchester United win promotion to the Women’s Super League via the second-tier title in 2018-19 and spent three years on Everton’s books, after an initial loan spell there from United. Ramsey was also at Liverpool between 2017-18 but never played for the Merseyside club.

Meanwhile, Birmingham City have announced the signings of Millie Turner and Lisa Naalsund from Manchester United for a fee understood to be in the region of £100,000 for each player. Turner, a 30-year-old centre-back, played 189 times across eight years for United, helping them win the 2024 Women’s FA Cup alongside Naalsund.

“This is where I want to be,” Turner said of Birmingham. “The way that the girls fight for each other and play for each other, it’s something that I really want to be part of. It’s an exciting project and I think there’s no ceiling to what we can achieve here.”

Paying tribute to Turner, Matt Johnson, United’s director of football, said: “Millie’s contribution has been immense, she is a great professional and a fantastic leader, and has played a vital role in everything we have achieved throughout the last eight years.”

The Norway midfielder Naalsund, who had been with United since January 2023, wrote on Instagram: “Manchester United will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for the memories, the friendships, the lessons, and the moments that will stay with me forever.”

Elsewhere, Crystal Palace have confirmed the signing of the former Tottenham captain Bethany England on a two-year deal, with the option for a further year. The Guardian reported this week that the 32-year-old had agreed to join Palace on a free transfer.