Newcastle strengthens its campaign for promotion by signing a pair of Crystal Palace players.
As the transfer window draws to a close and rumors swirl over who Eddie Howe’s men could sign—or not sign, for that matter—NUFC Women manager Becky Langley has been quietly running a very welcome transfer window of her own.
Two more recruits have been confirmed following the acquisition of Beth Lumsden, a quick forward from Southern Premier League leaders Portsmouth, and goalkeeper Lilie Woods, ladies international for Northern Ireland, from Mid Ulster.
They have added more talent and higher level football experience to their ranks, as they sit atop the table, control their own destiny, and are in the semifinals of the WNL Cup.
They have declared the arrival of defender Lia Cataldo and striker Paige Bailey-Gayle from Championship team Crystal Palace.
The 22-year-old Bailey-Gayle began his career in Arsenal’s development program and now plays for Jamaica on the international scene. Prior to transferring to Palace in 2022, the attacker played for Leicester City Women and made her debut for the Gunners first squad in 2018.
Prior to joining the Eagles in August 2023, Cataldo, who is also 22 years old, played for Millwall, Arsenal, London City Lionesses, Leicester City, and Bristol City.
Along with Bailey-Gayle, the former England youth international contributed to the Robins’ Championship victory the previous season. Now, the two are on Tyneside as the Magpies aim to advance from the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division.
Newcastle manager Becky Langley described Bailey-Gayle as a “fun, energetic, and great character.” She is a dynamic attacking player with World Cup involvement experience with Jamaica.
“Hopefully this will help the group, she’s quick, has good technical finishing qualities, and has won the Championship with Leicester.”
“We are really excited to have Lia on board too,” Langley continued. She is a player who has competed with Crystal Palace, Bristol City, and Leicester, where she won championships.
“She will be a good team player for us because she has a fantastic physical and technical profile and is also a lovely person.”
“It is a really good club with a lot of history and a bright future, so I am happy to join a club that has ambitions that I would love to be a part of,” Bailey-Gayle said after signing.
“I can’t wait to get started,”
“I’m so excited to join such a massive club,” Cataldo continued. Their goals of rising through the ranks and, ideally, being promoted to the WSL within the next few years are similar to mine.
“I am excited to get in with the girls and get started because I know Newcastle has made a significant investment in the women’s team.”
Both are signed for the present, not the future, so they should be available for this Sunday’s big match against Wolverhampton Wanderers Women, but it’s uncertain if they’ll be in the starting lineup.
As Wor Lasses continues its amazing adventure, maybe Becky and Su could have a private conversation with Eddie and Dan to explain the process!
