Former Liverpool captain and Women’s Super League champion Gemma Bonner will return to the membership for a second spell starting January 1.
The 31-year-old defender led Liverpool to back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014 earlier than leaving for Manchester City in 2018.
The festive timing of the membership’s announcement is suitable: Leeds-born Bonner, who joins from National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) aspect Racing Louisville, as soon as wrote to Santa Claus to ask for a Liverpool package for Christmas.
Bonner, who has been capped 11 occasions by England, stated: “It’s a pretty special moment for me. I still pinch myself when I’m coming into Anfield.
“I’m tremendous excited to be again and I am unable to wait to drag the shirt on once more and get on the market with the ladies and get again enjoying for Liverpool.
“I used to be right here for fairly some time earlier than and it was a tough resolution to go away, however I believe I all the time knew inside myself that sooner or later I’d love to return again to Liverpool. Now the time feels proper.
“One of the proudest issues I’ve completed is lifting these trophies, particularly back-to-back.
“I have some incredible memories of my time here previously. Growing up as a Liverpool fan it probably means that little bit more. Seeing my shirt today with the name on the back again was almost a little emotional.”
The Reds had been promoted again to the WSL earlier this yr after a dominant efficiency within the Championship, surprising champions Chelsea with a win of their first house contest of the 2022/23 WSL marketing campaign.
American striker Katie Stengel has loved a prolific begin to the ninth-placed aspect’s season with six targets, leaving her stage with Chelsea’s Fran Kirby in third place within the competitors.
“The team have started really well,” stated Bonner. “They’ve got good foundations and are definitely building. Hopefully I can come in and contribute to the continued progression.”
Bonner’s 115 appearances over her earlier six-year stint with Liverpool nonetheless stays the second-highest for the membership over the skilled period, behind solely Ashley Hodson.
The signing can even reunite the centre-back with supervisor Matt Beard, who steered Liverpool from 2012-2015 and had spells at Boston Breakers, West Ham and Bristol earlier than returning in 2021.
Liverpool boss Matt Beard re-unites with Bonner after their back-to-back title wins in 2013 and 2014
“It was too good an opportunity to pass up bringing Gemma back to the football club,” stated Beard, who additionally managed Bonner at Chelsea earlier than each joined Liverpool.
“We had a great working relationship before and she will bring leadership and experience to the team.
“She’s received all the things in England with Liverpool and Man City and has now skilled America to broaden her horizons and open her eyes to totally different soccer cultures.
“It just feels like she’s coming home.”
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