Sunderland’s free‑transfer gamble on WSL2 veteran Atlanta Primus

29-year-old Atlanta Primus has joined Sunderland on a free transfer, the Lady Black Cats announced earlier today, marking the Jamaican international forward’s move after leaving Southampton earlier this summer; the striker arrives with six years of Barclays WSL2 experience and 23 caps for Jamaica.

Sunderland confirmed the signing on its official website, stating that Primus’s arrival forms part of a broader summer recruitment drive aimed at strengthening the women’s side. The club highlighted the addition as evidence of its ambition to improve performance in the Barclays WSL2.

Primus departed Southampton, where she featured in every Barclays WSL2 match last season, contributing four goals and three assists. Her consistency across the campaign underscored her impact in the league and demonstrated her reliability as a forward.

Her six‑year spell in the second tier also includes periods with London City Lionesses and Charlton Athletic, underscoring a deep familiarity with the competition. Sunderland expect that this breadth of experience will benefit their campaign this season.

Internationally, Primus has earned 23 caps for Jamaica, scoring once, and represented the Reggae Girlz at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia & New Zealand 2023. Her international pedigree adds a valuable dimension to the squad.

After completing the move, Primus said, “I am super‑excited to be here because it has been a long time coming. I can’t wait to be out on the pitch with the girls and I am looking forward to the season.”

Primus becomes Sunderland’s sixth signing of the summer transfer window, reflecting the club’s ongoing investment in the women’s side. The Bay Collective backing was also highlighted as a factor in the club’s ambitions, meaning Sunderland gain an experienced forward while Primus secures a new platform to showcase her talents.