Free‑transfer fix: Aston Villa add Emily Ramsey as goalkeeping option

Aston Villa, facing a thin goalkeeping roster that left a clear gap in squad depth, turned to a free‑transfer solution and announced the signing of 25‑year‑old Emily Ramsey, a seasoned stopper, to provide a reliable option between the posts for the upcoming WSL campaign.

The club confirmed the move in an official press release this afternoon, stating that Ramsey joins Aston Villa on a free transfer. Villa’s statement highlighted that the signing adds a seasoned stopper to the Villans’ roster ahead of the WSL campaign.

Villa targeted Ramsey specifically to strengthen their goalkeeping options without incurring a transfer fee, a free‑transfer approach that aligns with the club’s strategy to add quality without financial outlay.

Ramsey arrives after departing Everton earlier this summer, ending a four‑year spell in Merseyside, and brings four years of top‑flight experience across several clubs. Her career includes periods at Liverpool, Sheffield United, West Ham United and Birmingham City, giving her breadth of experience in England’s top divisions.

She first joined Everton on loan from Manchester United in the summer of 2022, with the deal made permanent later that season, providing her first regular exposure to the WSL.

Internationally, Ramsey has represented England from the youngest age groups up to the Under‑23 side and has been on the fringes of the senior Lionesses squad, though she has yet to earn a full cap.

“I’m really excited to be here and looking forward to getting started. It felt like the right time for a new challenge. I’m excited to play at Villa Park on the right side of the team, get to know the players and see what we can achieve together this season,” Ramsey said.

The signing gives Aston Villa a seasoned goalkeeper to compete for the starting spot, while offering Ramsey regular top‑level football in the WSL, and both parties anticipate mutual benefit as the season progresses.