Toon raid Man City and Sunderland with two statement signings for Newcastle Women

In a busy start to July for Newcastle United Women, Becky Langley's Lasses have pulled off a major coup in completing the signings of Sunderland goalkeeper Claudia Moan and experienced Man City full-back Demi Stokes.

Moan, 25, was named Barclays Women's Championship Player of the Year for 2023/24 and played a key role in helping our North East rivals finish third in the second tier last season.

However, she's now swapped Wearside for Tyneside in a real statement of intent from Newcastle United following promotion, with the arrival of Stokes another huge signing given her experience at the highest level.

Stokes, 32, has represented England 69 times, won the Women's Super League title in 2016 and lifted the Women's FA Cup three times during her nine-year stay at Man City.

Wor Lasses have also sealed deals for Bristol City attacker Shania Hayles, former Chelsea defender Deanna Cooper and striker Amy Andrews - who scored eight Championship goals for Durham last season - following back-to-back promotions.

Reacting to the move, Moan said “I am delighted to be joining Newcastle United, who have shown in the past two seasons that they are a very ambitious club. The set up at the club is fantastic, which is something I know will help me settle in very quickly.

“I will give everything I possibly can to the team and the fans, who I know give incredible support to the club. I can’t wait to get started next week.”

Toon boss Becky Langley added: “Claudia is a top goalkeeper and I worked with her previously when we won the league together at Northumbria University.

“Her stats from last season speak for themselves. The fact she won the Golden Glove and Player of the Season awards is absolutely fantastic when you look at the quality of players she was up against in that league. We’re really excited to see her join the club.”

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Stokes has also reacted to her move, saying: "I am thrilled to be joining Newcastle United and returning home to the North East. I still have so much to give on the pitch and I'm excited to bring my experience to a club with such big ambitions. From the moment I spoke to the club, I felt valued and knew this was the right place for me to contribute to an exciting, new project. I can't wait to get going and meet the team."

Langley also shared her delight at Stokes' arrival, adding: "Demi is one of the best defenders in the country and we are delighted that she is joining Newcastle United.

"She's an incredibly humble girl as well as being an ambitious, driven northerner. We can't wait to welcome her to the club."