Manchester United Women have signed England international Alessia Russo on a two-year deal, with an option to extend for a further year.
The 21-year-old forward signs her first professional contract after spending three years in the US with North Carolina Tar Heels, representing the University of North Carolina in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Russo has also previously had spells at Brighton and Chelsea as a youngster.
Russo has been capped at every age group for England and was part of the squad that won bronze at the 2018 Under 20 FIFA Women’s World Cup. She made her senior debut earlier this year against Spain in the 2020 SheBelieves Cup, and has been called up for the senior Lionesses’ September training camp next week.
Alessia Russo said:
“I’m so honoured to be here, I come from a family of Manchester United supporters so it’s a dream to now say I am part of this great club. It’s been a bit of a strange time over the last few months but I’m really happy to be back in England and coming to United was the perfect opportunity for me.
When I first spoke to Casey [Stoney], I was impressed with the club’s vision and ambitions and I knew that I wanted to be a part of that; to be competing for trophies, pushing for the Champions League, and helping to grow this amazing team. I just can’t wait to get going and start this new journey; it’s a really exciting time in my career.”
Head coach Casey Stoney said:
“Alessia is a real talent and I’m delighted she’s joining the club. She is a dynamic and powerful forward with so much pace, and we’re really looking forward to her coming into the squad. She’s had some great success over the last few years whilst playing in the US college system but it’s brilliant to see her back in this league. Making her senior international debut at such a young age earlier this year is also a testament to her talent, hard work and attitude, and I am excited to see her develop with us.”
