With the January winter transfer window in full swing, Carla Ward’s Aston Villa wasted no time in re-enforcing their injury depleted squad.
Having already attracted big names in the summer, such as Rachel Daly, Villa have attracted Arsenal’s Jordan Nobbs.
The midfielder comes in on an 18-month contract with a further option to extend after her 12-year stint with the Gunners. Nobbs’ contract with Arsenal was set expire at the end of the season.
The 30-year-old joins with a great collection of accolades including: three-time Women’s Super League winners, four-time FA Cup winners and five-time League Cup winners.
Speaking to Aston Villa TV, Ward demonstrated her excitement for welcoming the serial winner.
“This is a big signing for us, and Jordan is one of the country’s most decorated footballers.
“She’s a winner and will bring a wealth of experience that her new teammates will thrive off.
“We’re delighted to secure her signature and we hope this move can help the football club.”
The playmaking midfielder is in search for more game time after starting just two of Arsenal’s nine WSL games and with her vast array of talent, Nobbs was the perfect recruitment.
With 69 international caps to her name already, Nobbs will be looking to break back into Sarina Wiegman’s England squad ahead of the 2023 World Cup.
After the departure of Nobbs, Arsenal fans were full of praise for her time with the Gunners and explained what Villa fans can expect.
“Jordan is regarded as an Arsenal legend for not just her football but for her professionalism but unfortunately as the game grew, Arsenal were expecting more from players and under Jonas Eidevall, she wasn’t a regular starter.
“She’ll be joining a Villa squad which has an array of experience and young talent, whether she starts or comes off the bench she has the ability to turn a game around in minutes.
“Jordan is one of those creative midfielders who will find positions of wide and near the box in order to create those chances.”
Nobbs’ debut could come against her former North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, January 14 and may not have to wait long to return home as Villa travel to Meadow Park to face Arsenal in the League Cup quarter final.
Ward’s side don’t look to be stopping there as reports suggest Manchester United’s Lucy Staniforth has made switch to claret and blue to bolster the options.
The midfielder would be securing a permanent move after Villa have already loaned winger Kirsty Hanson from the Red Devils.
Having played just 171 minutes so far this season, like Nobbs, Staniforth will be hoping to make her mark within the starting 11, inviting the attention of Wiegman.
The move is reported to be imminent after the 30-year-old was granted permission to sign and miss United’s recent mid-season friendly and training camp in Malta.
Like Nobbs, the number 37 will provide Ward’s side with experience and stability, having played in the topflight of women’s football for five years.
The midfielder offers a different style of play to Nobbs and can become the anchor figure within the side to provide defensive stability ahead of the backline.
As reported by the Telegraph, Staniforth is set to be unveiled in the coming days with the expectation of signing on an 18-month deal similar to Nobbs.
The addition of both English midfielders follow the summer signing of top goal scorer Rachel Daly as they begin to create a real threat within the league.
Villa have stepped up in recent months both on and off the field but after being plagued with injuries the side have struggled to rotate and string together results.
The new additions to Ward’s side will help her team compete in an attempt to push for their highest league position and, whilst still being in the League Cup, hope to bring some silverware to Villa.
