Well, that didn’t take long! Last night, BBC’s Emma Sanders reported that Spurs were in talks to sign 20-year old Sweden international and former Hammarby winger Matilda Vinberg. Now, just hours later, Tottenham Hotspur have announced her signing!
✍️ We are delighted to announce the signing of Sweden international Matilda Vinberg, subject to work permit and international clearance.
Welcome, Matilda!
— Tottenham Hotspur Women (@SpursWomen) January 2, 2024
This is another potential coup for Robert Vilahamn and Spurs Women, who are working the transfer window to not only get younger, but get better. Like Charli Grant (whom Spurs are reportedly signing but which hasn’t yet been announced), Vinberg is a young international footballer who just broke into her country’s side but isn’t yet a regular. But she’s been doing good things in the Swedish league, and in 2022 was named the Damallsvenskan Breakthrough Player of the Year and Hammarby Player of the Year. Last season she contributed seven goals and four assists to a Hammarby campaign that ended with the league title.
She’s on the upswing and is ready for a step up in competition, and said in her initial announcement video that she wanted to play in England, and playing for a manager in Vilahamn who is also her countryman doesn’t hurt.
“It feels amazing to finally be here. I’ve always dreamed of playing in England, in this league. I felt very ready and excited to do this. Of course, Robert [Vilahamn] is also a reason why. It feels good to have a Swedish coach by my side as well.
“I’m a fast player. I have a good left foot, and I like to do 1-v-1, combine with players offensively, and of course score some goals. I’ve always dreamt about being the best I can be, the best in the world. I think this is the right step for me — to dream big and hopefully be one of the best.”
Vinberg should come in and immediately be in competition with Rosella Ayane and Jessica Naz for first team minutes. That’s not a bad thing — competition leads to improvement for everyone, and if Vinberg can come in and stretch the existing players to step up their game, that helps everyone.
This is an exciting signing and I can’t wait to see what Vinberg does on the pitch. Welcome, Matilda!