Tottenham have confirmed the signing of French defender Alice Sombath from Lyon for a fee that hasn’t been disclosed, with the length of her contract also being kept under wraps. The 22-year-old now stands as Spurs Women’s record acquisition, eclipsing the previous high set by Norwegian international Signe Gaupset, who arrived last summer for around £375,000.
Five successful years at Lyon
Sombath departs Lyon having racked up 102 senior appearances across five years, cementing herself as one of France’s top defensive prospects. Her spell there brought plenty of silverware, including five straight Première Ligue titles and a UEFA Women’s Champions League triumph during the 2021-22 season.
Sombath relishing the challenge
Reflecting on her move, Sombath said she’s determined to give her all in her new surroundings, pointing to the competitiveness of English football as a major draw. She also spoke positively about Tottenham’s recent form, noting that last season’s performances caught her eye and expressing confidence that her skill set can contribute to a squad already packed with quality.
Path through French football
Sombath’s development began at Paris FC before a move into PSG’s academy setup, followed by her switch to Lyon in 2020, where she blossomed into one of the continent’s most exciting young defenders. Equally at home at centre-back or right-back, she has progressed through every France youth level and into the senior side, featuring in all of France’s fixtures at Euro 2025, including three starts during the group stage.
Ho delighted with long-tracked target
Tottenham Women’s boss Martin Ho confirmed the club had monitored Sombath for a considerable period, describing her as a natural fit for the squad’s identity. He praised her composure on the ball, her appetite for defensive duels, and her hunger for continuous improvement, calling her a valuable piece of the club’s ongoing project.
Sixth signing of the window
Sombath’s arrival marks Tottenham’s sixth capture of the transfer window, reflecting the club’s clear intent to build a strong squad ahead of the new campaign after wrapping up several key targets.
