Sheffield United have confirmed the permanent signing of midfielder and club captain Sophie Barker from Leicester City.
Barker re-joined the club last summer on loan from the Foxes and after returning from an injury sustained in pre-season became a key part of the side in the second half of the season as the Blades pulled away from the relegation spot.
The vastly-experienced midfielder initially joined the club in 2018 before departing for Leicester where she won the Championship in her first season and earned promotion to the Women’s Super League.
Barker will also take up a new role as the club’s Head of Academy after United were awarded a Cat One academy under the new Professional Game structure.
Speaking about returning to the club on a permanent basis, Barker said: “I’m buzzing. We finished last season really strong and in my mind, I had no other place I wanted to go, I wanted to stay here.
“Especially under Jonno, I’ve played under him for quite a few years, to sign permanently was a dream come true really.”
Head coach Jonathan Morgan is also delighted to be reunited with his captain ahead of the new season.
“It’s great that Barks is officially back at the club now. She’s a player who has such a rich history with Sheffield United and everyone here knows and loves her.
“I’m personally looking forward to continuing my own association working with Barks too after several happy years working with her.”
