Missy Bo Kearns leaves Liverpool for Aston Villa with eye on England place

Aston Villa have signed the midfielder Missy Bo Kearns from their fellow WSL club Liverpool for an undisclosed fee.

The Merseyside-born Kearns is a lifelong Liverpool fan and has been with the club since the age of eight, and it is understood she said a tearful goodbye to her former teammates last Friday.

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The 23-year-old England youth international received her first senior call-up to the Lionesses squad in May and, hoping to earn an England senior debut and a place at next summer’s European Championship, is understood to have decided to leave to start more matches.

Liverpool have been sad to say farewell to a fans’ favourite but the club did not want to stand in Kearns’ way, respecting her wish to start more matches. Villa are believed to have been admirers of Kearns for months.

There is understood to be a sell-on clause for Liverpool and potential add-ons based on international caps. Liverpool’s manager, Matt Beard, said: “We respect Missy Bo’s decision and she departs with our very best wishes and I’m sure those of our fans. She has worn the shirt with the pride of a local girl and I have enjoyed my time working with her over so many years. I will follow her future development with great interest and pride.”

Villa’s manager, Robert de Pauw, said: “I see Missy Bo as a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder. She is a good passer and also knows where to find the goal. Missy has the potential and ability to become a regular England international.”

Promoted Crystal Palace announced their first signing of the summer with the arrival of the Denmark international defender Katrine Veje from Everton.

Palace are also poised to sign the New Zealand forward Indiah-Paige Riley as the club accelerate efforts to strengthen their squad. A fee has been agreed with PSV and the 22‑year‑old has agreed terms with Palace.

The Denmark international Karen Holmgaard has signed a new contract at Everton. The 25-year-old, along with her twin, Sara , has been with Everton since August 2022.