As followers of the Newcastle United Men’s Team await with bated breath about the announcement of Swedish International Anthony Elanga, the Women’s Team have announced their first signing of what is expected to be many.
They have signed defender Jemma Purfield following her departure from Southampton Women. Purfield spent the last two seasons on the south coast where she made 41 appearances, scoring two goals. Ahead of the 2024/25 season, Purfield was named as captain for the Saints.
She brings with her a wealth of experience from across the Barclays Women’s Super League and the WSL2, having appeared in the top tier for Leicester City, Bristol City, Liverpool and Doncaster Rovers Belles.
After a season with Durham in the inaugural WSL2 season in 2014, Purfield moved to America to continue her development in the college system. She played for South Alabama Jaguars, where she won Player of the Year in 2016, before moving to Arizona State Sun Devils.
On joining the Magpies, Purfield said: “I’m really happy to get the move done. The ambition of the club aligned with my ambition, so I just want to help them get to the WSL.
“When you look at the project of the club and the journey it’s on, especially on the women’s side, the only way is up so it’s an exciting time to be part of this club.”
Head Coach Becky Langley said: “Jemma is an excellent defender who adds versatility to the backline and brings a lot of experience from across the WSL and WSL2.
“Her leadership qualities standout and she will be a great addition. It clicked the second we spoke; she has the same drive and ambitions and I’m excited to work with her.”
A good move for both it seems with both player and Club excited at the prospect of Purfield turning out in the famous black and white. The accompanying pictures on the Club website showing Jemma in her Adidas kit a nice touch as she starts to acclimatise in her new surroundings.
Aston Villa star could be next
There will be considerable movement between now and the start of the 2025/26 season with up to approximately eight new faces expected to arrive on Tyneside.
There’s even word that one of those to be announced will indeed be a blockbuster signing from a top six side in the WSL, but time will tell on that as Langley’s lasses prepare for another push towards the top division.
The player in question? Former Arsenal and Aston Villa star Jordan Nobbs, with reports suggesting Newcastle are in advanced talks to sign the 32-year-old England international midfielder.
In other news Wor Lasses squad member Lois Joel made history on Wednesday night becoming the first female player from the Club to represent her country at a European Championship Finals game. Joel came on for the final 12 minutes of Wales’s 4 – 1 defeat to France.
The Club have also announced the first pre-season fixture which will see them take on Middlesbrough on 6th August. It would have been a game supporters of both Clubs would have loved to have seen with several ex-Lady Mags part of the ever improving ‘Boro squad. But sadly it’ll be behind closed doors!
