The Australian revolution at Tottenham Hotspur continues! Today, the club announced the signing of 29-year-old Matildas international player and attacking midfielder Hayley Raso, late of Real Madrid and Manchester City, on a free transfer deal. She signs on a two year contract.
We are delighted to announce the signing of Hayley Raso, subject to international clearance and work permit. ✍️
Welcome to Spurs, Hayley!
— Tottenham Hotspur Women (@SpursWomen) September 1, 2024
Raso spent last season at Real Madrid, but I specifically remember her (and her trademark hair ribbon) torching Spurs Women in 2022-23 as a member of Manchester City. She’s a dynamic out-and-out right winger who was known for her speed and directness. Now 29, she adds badly-needed experience to a Spurs team that hasn’t really improved itself that much in the offseason.
Raso is also an experienced international footballer, with 87 Australia caps and 18 international goals. It’s a great signing. She joins fellow Matildas Charli Grant and new signing Claire Hunt on a Spurs side that wants to continue to be competetive against the top sides in the WSL this coming season.
Raso is ostensibly taking the place of long time winger/forward and Moroccan international Rosella Ayane, who the club announced is heading to the NWSL in USA, joining Chicago Red Stars on a season-long loan.
Rosella Ayane has joined National Women’s Soccer League side Chicago Red Stars on loan until the end of December.
Good luck, Rosella!
— Tottenham Hotspur Women (@SpursWomen) August 31, 2024
Ayane has been at Spurs since 2019 and was an important player for the club under Rehanne Skinner, but has seen her playing time steadily diminish over the past few years and was mostly used as an impact sub. She’s fast and direct, but I’m not really a NWSL watcher I really can’t speak to how much impact she’ll have at Chicago.
Regardless, and Ayane-for-Raso swap is a pretty significant upgrade for Spurs Women, so this is still exciting stuff!
