Tottenham Hotspur Women have signed Scotland forward Kirsty Hanson from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee. The 28-year-old arrives as a key target for manager Martin Ho, with whom she previously worked at Manchester United.
This move was reported by the BBC this week. Hanson joins a Spurs side that finished fifth in the FA Women's Super League last season, amassing 36 points from 22 games with a record of 11 wins, 3 draws, and 8 losses. Their goal difference was -3, having scored 35 and conceded 38. They ended the campaign 19 points behind champions Manchester City.
Why is Kirsty Hanson a significant signing?
Kirsty Hanson's arrival represents a major coup for Tottenham's ambitions. Her career reached new heights last season as she finished as the third-highest goalscorer in the entire WSL. She netted 12 times in 22 appearances for Aston Villa, a tally bettered only by Khadija Shaw and Alessia Russo. Those 12 goals accounted for a remarkable 43% of Villa's total output for the campaign.
Her underlying numbers were equally impressive. Hanson recorded a shots on target ratio of 50%, the best among the league's top-five scorers. She also created 16 chances for teammates and had the most touches in the opposition box of any Villa player. Beyond her attacking threat, she ranked highly for defensive actions like tackles and interceptions among players in her position.
What is her history with manager Martin Ho?
The connection between player and manager was a driving force behind this transfer. Martin Ho, who made a big statement when appointed Tottenham boss, identified Hanson as a primary target. The pair worked together at Manchester United, where Ho served as an assistant coach from 2020 to 2023. Hanson believes this existing relationship will be beneficial.
"I know he gets the best out of me with the detail he puts in," Hanson told the BBC. "I really think that will push me further on in my career." She spent four years at Aston Villa, making 100 appearances and scoring 26 goals, and won the club's player-of-the-season award twice. Reflecting on her departure, she added, "I've got to thank Villa so much. They know that I left on good terms. I really enjoyed my time."
How does she fit into Tottenham's summer rebuild?
Hanson is the latest in a series of strategic signings aimed at propelling Tottenham into the WSL's top three and securing Women's Champions League qualification. The club has also brought in Shekiera Martinez from West Ham, their former top-scorer, talented France defender Alice Sombath from Lyon, and creative midfielder Victoria Pelova from Arsenal.
This rebuild follows a season where Spurs showed promise but lacked consistency, as reflected in their final league standing and recent form of two wins, two draws, and two losses. Hanson's proven goal threat and work rate are seen as essential ingredients to close the gap on the teams above them. Fans can track the progress of the new-look squad on our squad page.
What comes next for Tottenham Hotspur Women?
With the new WSL season kicking off on 6 September, attention now turns to integration and preparation. Tottenham's first match is a home fixture against West Ham. The club's activity in the transfer market, capped by the Hanson deal, signals a clear intent to compete at a higher level. While high-profile overseas stars have joined the league this summer, some analysts suggest Hanson's move could be among the smartest pieces of business. Her maturity, both on the pitch and off it where she holds a degree in sports coaching, adds valuable experience. The full challenge ahead can be seen on our fixtures list as Martin Ho's team looks to convert ambition into results.
