Spurs' Record Signing
Tottenham Hotspur Lands France Defender Alice Sombath in Club-Record Summer Signing
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Key Points
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She featured in all of France's matches at Euro 2025, starting three group-stage games, highlighting her experience on the international stage.
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Sombath spent six years at Lyonnes, making 102 appearances and winning the Champions League in her second season, along with five Ligue titles and two Coupe de France trophies.
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The transfer fee is reported to be more than £375,000, surpassing the previous club-record fee paid for Signe Gaupset.
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Tottenham moved quickly this window, securing six targeted signings early (including Sombath) to ensure all new additions can prepare for a full pre-season.
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Last season she contributed 24 appearances across all competitions, including four in the Champions League, underscoring her wide-ranging experience at a high level.
Tottenham Hotspur have signed France defender Alice Sombath from OL Lyonnes in a club-record transfer, the club confirmed. The 22-year-old joins on a permanent deal, with the fee believed to exceed £375,000 — surpassing the previous record paid for Signe Gaupset, according to Reuters and Soccer News.
Sombath becomes Spurs' sixth signing of the summer. Manager Martin Ho said she fits the club's "long-term project," praising her aggressive defending and comfort on the ball. Sombath herself said she is "excited" by the WSL's competitiveness and eager to make an immediate impact.
Six Years at Lyon Built a Champion Defender
Sombath spent six years at Lyonnes, making 102 appearances for the French giants, according to Soccer News. She won the Champions League in her second season. She also claimed five Ligue 1 Féminine titles and two Coupe de France trophies during her time in Lyon.
Last season she made 24 appearances across all competitions, including four in the Champions League. She can play centre-back or right-back, giving Spurs useful flexibility in defence. Yahoo Sports reported she joins on a five-year deal, tying her to the club until at least 2030.
Sombath Starred for France at Euro 2025
Sombath arrived at Spurs with fresh international pedigree. She featured in all of France's matches at Euro 2025, starting three group-stage games. That tournament exposure puts her among the most experienced defenders Tottenham have brought to the club.
At just 22, she has already played at the highest levels of club and international football. Her Champions League experience is particularly rare for a player her age. Spurs are clearly betting that her best years are still ahead of her.
Spurs Move Early to Build a Full Pre-Season Together
Tottenham finished fifth in the Women's Super League last season. They closed the gap to fourth place but remain well behind the top clubs like Manchester City. The club moved quickly this window to fix that. Securing six signings early gives every new player a full pre-season together, Yahoo Sports CA reported.
Manager Martin Ho said Sombath's maturity stood out during the recruitment process. Her ability to defend aggressively while also playing out from the back suits the style Spurs want to build. The club has not disclosed the exact transfer fee, but Soccer News confirmed it tops the £375,000 benchmark set in January.
Sombath's Arrival Signals Spurs' Growing Ambition
Breaking their own transfer record sends a clear message. Tottenham are willing to spend at levels they have not reached before to close the gap on the WSL's elite clubs. Sombath is not a squad player — she is expected to start regularly from day one.
Sombath said she was drawn to the WSL's competitive level and the direction Spurs are heading. With five titles and a Champions League medal already on her CV, she brings instant credibility to the backline. If Tottenham's other five summer signings hit similar heights, a top-four push looks very real.
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