Sheffield United have signed Manchester United defender Naomi Hartley on a permanent deal.
The 18-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Olympic Legacy Park, making seven league appearances and helping the Blades go on a run of seven wins in a row until the end of the FA Women’s Championship season.
Coming through the ranks at Burnley and Blackburn Rovers before joining Manchester United’s academy, Hartley spent a year with Liverpool in the WSL before re-joining Casey Stoney’s side when they entered the FAWC alongside Sheffield United last year.
“I’m absolutely delighted to have secured Naomi on a permanent deal from Manchester United after what was a great loan spell,” said manager Carla Ward. “She was colossal for us at the back and I am delighted we’ve managed to secure her long term. She’s a young exciting player with a huge future ahead of her and hopefully there’s many good years for her here at Sheffield United.”
Hartley added: “For me, it’s a perfect move especially for my development and I feel that this team has got a lot of potential to do well this year! Let the winning streak carry on this season…”
