Free signing bolsters Sheffield United WSL defence with Gracie Pearse

Sheffield United WSL side have signed 23‑year‑old defender Gracie Pearse on a free transfer to plug a defensive gap as they gear up for their inaugural Barclays Women’s Super League campaign. The 23‑year‑old joins the Blades on a two‑year deal at Bramall Lane in South Yorkshire, bringing experience after helping Charlton Athletic earn promotion.

The free signing aims to plug a defensive gap, adding experience to a back line that will face the rigours of the Barclays Women’s Super League after promotion. The club hopes the addition will benefit the Women squad as they step up. Club officials said the addition strengthens the squad for their debut top‑flight campaign.

Pearse arrives fresh from helping Charlton Athletic secure promotion to the WSL, having featured eight times for the South Londoners and scoring once at The Valley during the 2025/2026 campaign. Charlton clinched their place by beating Leicester City on penalties in the play‑off final in May, completing the promotion that Pearse contributed to.

Before joining Charlton, Pearse turned out for Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur and Bristol City, giving her insight into different tactical setups across the English women’s game.

After joining Sheffield United, Pearse said, “I’m really excited just to get started now really and get to meet all the girls. I’ve already got four or five of the girls who I know and have met before so it’s nice to have those familiar faces and to have to speak to on the first day when it can be quite daunting.” She added that feeling valued and happy is her priority and that she can bring experience from being promoted twice and knowing the league.

Pearse has signed a two‑year contract at Bramall Lane, becoming the club’s third signing of the summer window, with the Blades confirming the free transfer in an official press release to WSL Full‑Time earlier today.

Sheffield United will rely on Pearse’s experience to navigate the challenges of the Barclays Women’s Super League, rounding out a defensive overhaul as the Blades aim to establish themselves in the top flight.