Tottenham Hotspur has completed the signing of French international defender Alice Sombath from Lyon for a club-record fee. Although specific financial terms were not disclosed, the move marks a significant investment for the London side, exceeding their previous record of approximately £375,000 paid for Signe Gaupset last year.
The 22-year-old moves to England following a five-season tenure at Lyon, where she made 102 appearances and secured five consecutive Premiere Ligue titles, along with a 2021-22 Women’s Champions League victory. Sombath, who can operate as a centre-back or right-back, has risen through the ranks from Paris FC and Paris St-Germain to earn 16 caps for the French senior squad.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Sombath noted the competitive nature of the league and her desire to contribute to Tottenham’s ongoing growth. Manager Martin Ho praised her maturity, composure on the ball, and competitive spirit, emphasizing that she aligns perfectly with the club’s long-term vision. Sombath joins other recent acquisitions including Shekeira Martinez, Kirsty Hanson, Victoria Pelova, Caitlin Dijkstra, and Selma Panengstuen, solidifying a productive transfer window for the team.
