Ashleigh Plumptre signs for Saudi Arabian team Al-Ittihad Ladies

Nigeria international Ashleigh Plumptre is set to join the Saudi Women’s Premier League by signing with Al-Ittihad. The 25-year-old defender, who previously played for English team Leicester City, is joining the Saudi league in its second season after representing Nigeria at the Women’s World Cup.

In a video released by Al-Ittihad Ladies, Plumptre expressed her excitement about joining the team and the opportunities it presents, both on and off the pitch. She emphasized her intention to learn and grow as both a football player and a human being in the new environment.

The Saudi Pro League has made headlines by attracting some of the biggest names in men’s football, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr., Sadio Mané, and the current Ballon d’Or holder, Karim Benzema. The league’s significant salaries have disrupted the football transfer market, although it has also faced criticism for Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.

The Saudi Women’s Premier League, consisting of eight teams, is entering its second season only five years after women were first allowed to attend games in the Kingdom. Plumptre, who previously represented England at the youth international level before switching to Nigeria, has made 15 appearances for Nigeria, including four at the recent Women’s World Cup.

In her statement, Plumptre emphasized that football is about connecting with herself and the people around her, including teammates and staff. She sees her career as a way to represent something greater than herself.