Midfielder Sophie Barker has re-joined Sheffield United on loan from Leicester City ahead of the 2022/23 season.
The 31-year-old returns to United after initially joining from Doncaster Rovers Belles in 2018, where she made 46 appearances across two seasons before leaving for the Foxes in 2020.
Barker played in both midfield and at full-back during her first spell at the club and adds vital experience and quality to a young Blades side and has experienced winning promotion out of the league three times, the last of which came under current head coach Neil Redfearn with the Belles four years ago.
Barker said she always knew she would return one day: “I’m very happy to be back. My intention was always to come back here when I wanted to retire, because it’s always felt like home to me.
“I just want to enjoy my football again. I want to be a valued member of the team. I know Redders [Neil Redfearn] very well and he was a big part of why I came here because he gives me confidence.”
Redfearn commented: “I’m really pleased to add Barks to the group as she has vast experience and has been promoted out of this division a few times before. She will be really central to how we play and will carry our beliefs on the pitch.”
