Tottenham Women sign France defender Alice Sombath for club-record fee

Tottenham Hotspur Women have completed the permanent signing of France defender Alice Sombath from OL Lyonnes for a club-record transfer fee.

The 22-year-old’s move was announced on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Tottenham said the transfer remains subject to international clearance and a work permit. The club did not disclose the fee.

Sombath arrives from one of Europe’s most successful women’s teams after developing at Lyon and establishing herself as a France international. Her ability to play across the defence gives head coach Martin Ho another option as Spurs prepare for the 2026-27 Women’s Super League season.

The signing is a notable statement of intent from Tottenham because it sets a new transfer benchmark for their women’s team. Spurs are seeking to build on a 2025-26 campaign in which they collected a club-record 36 WSL points and matched their best league finish.

Sombath said in Tottenham’s announcement that she was attracted by the competitiveness of the English league and believed her qualities could add to a team that performed strongly last season. Ho said the club had followed her for some time and viewed her as a player capable of further development.

The move is confirmed rather than a reported agreement, although Sombath cannot be registered to play until the remaining clearance and work-permit requirements are completed.