Image source, Tottenham Hotspur FCImage caption, Alice Sombath has made 16 appearances for France
ByEmma SandersBBC Sport women’s football news reporter- Published59 minutes ago
Tottenham have signed France international defender Alice Sombath for a club record transfer fee from Lyon.
The 22-year-old joins for an undisclosed fee and the length of her contract is unknown.
The previous club record signing is believed to have been Norway international Signe Gaupset's arrival for around £375,000 last year.
Sombath has spent five seasons at European giants Lyon, making 102 appearances and breaking into the France senior squad.
During her time in France, she won five consecutive Premiere Ligue titles and was part of the successful 2021-22 Women's Champions League squad.
Promoted Crystal Palace sign striker England
- Published5 days ago
"I want to do my best here at Tottenham. I think the league is very competitive, every game is tough and that's what I'm most excited about," said Sombath.
"I saw that Spurs had a very good season last year. My qualities can bring something to the team, even though I know they already have a lot."
Sombath came through Paris FC's academy and joined Paris St-Germain's youth team set-up before her move to Lyon in 2020.
She can play at centre-back or right-back and has represented France at every age group from the under-16s to the senior squad.
The defender featured in all of France's matches at Euro 2025, starting three games in the group stages.
"She's a player we've followed closely for some time and one who fits the profile of what we're building here," said Tottenham manager Martin Ho.
"She has already shown real maturity in her performances, and we believe she has all the qualities to continue developing into a top player within our environment.
"Alice is an aggressive defender who is comfortable in possession, competitive in her duels, and has the ambition to keep improving every day.
"This is another important addition as we continue building for the future. We can't wait to get started with Alice and welcome her into the group."
Tottenham have been successful in the pursuit of their key targets during the transfer window, bringing in six additions including Sombath.
They have also signed Shekeira Martinez, Kirsty Hanson, Victoria Pelova, Caitlin Dijkstra and Selma Panengstuen, getting their business done early.
Find interviews and extra content from the Women's Super League and beyond on the Women's Football Weekly feed
