Watford’s free‑transfer gamble adds veteran keeper Demi Lambourne

Watford have secured experienced goalkeeper Demi Lambourne on a free transfer, adding the 30‑year‑old stopper to their squad for the upcoming Barclays WSL2 campaign; the signing was confirmed by WSL Full‑Time through an official club press release from The Golden Girls earlier this morning.

The signing bolsters Watford’s goalkeeping options and underlines the club’s aim to strengthen its second‑tier ambitions. By securing Lambourne on a free transfer, Watford emphasises a proactive recruitment strategy.

Lambourne joins after her contract with fellow Barclays WSL2 side Sunderland expired earlier this summer. She made 28 appearances for Sunderland, known as the Lady Black Cats, across all competitions during two seasons.

She began her senior career at Oxford United before spending six years with Leicester City. While at Leicester, she was part of the squad that won the Barclays WSL2 title in the 2020/2021 season, mainly as a backup keeper, and also gained minutes on loan at Coventry United and Crystal Palace.

Watford expect Lambourne’s seasoned background to help the club compete strongly in the Barclays WSL2 this season. Her familiarity with the league’s demands is seen as a key factor in the club’s ambition to improve its standing.

The signing marks Lambourne’s fifth move of the summer transfer window, reflecting Watford’s active recruitment drive ahead of the new campaign.

For Lambourne, the free‑transfer agreement allows her to remain at the same competition level without a transfer fee, while Watford gain an experienced goalkeeper to bolster their squad.