Lionesses goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck signs for Aston Villa on free transfer after seeing Barcelona contract terminated one year early

The former Manchester City youth player, who made her professional debut for the Cityzens in 2016, spent eight seasons at the club. In April 2024, Roebuck signed a pre-contract with Liga F giants Barcelona and formally completed the move at the end of the 2023-24 campaign. However, the Lionesses custodian was limited to only two appearances at the Catalan club as she was still recovering from a stroke that she suffered in 2023.

The England star has now mutually terminated her Barcelona deal one year early and joined WSL side Aston Villa on a two-year contract. Roebuck's last appearance in club football came for Barca against Levante in a league clash on February 1.

Following the goalkeeper's transfer, Aston Villa's director of women’s football, Marisa Ewers, said: "We are delighted that Ellie will be joining our club. She is an exciting addition to the team and is a player with a lot of experience who can help drive our performance levels."

The Villans, who finished sixth in the 2024-25 WSL campaign, will find out their full full fixture schedule for the upcoming season on July 25.