Sunderland have signed goalkeeper Megan Borthwick from Barclays Women’s Championship rivals Durham, for whom she had played since 2016.
Borthwick jointly claimed the Championship Golden Glove last season, keeping 10 clean sheets.
She told safc.com: “I’m so happy to be here. I think it’s a club that’s growing and I’m ready to be a part of that so I’m ready to get going.
“I’ve had 10 years’ experience in the Women’s game and I think I’ve grown and adapted it, and I’ve obviously had quite a lot of experience in the Championship that I think that I can add to this club.”
Head Coach Mel Reay added: “We’re delighted to bring Megan in. She’s a goalkeeper with real Championship experience and she’ll add real depth to the goalkeeping department.
“Myself and Steph [Libbey] have both worked with Megan over different periods of time and know what qualities she possesses.”
Goalkeeping coach Jonathan Craig said: “She’ll help push on Claudia [Moan] and Allison [Cowling] also so I see her as a fantastic addition and I’m really looking forward to working with her closely.”