READING FC WOMEN have completed the signing of Birmingham City Ladies midfielder Remi Allen on a ‘long-term deal’ for an undisclosed fee.
Allen, 25, arrives with bags of top flight WSL 1 experience to her name and has been a regular in a Birmingham side which currently sit third in the table.
With Charlie Estcourt and Bonnie Horwood both leaving the club during the transfer window, manager Kelly Chambers has taken the opportunity on deadline day to bring in a midfield reinforcement.
“This is a big signing for us and one that shows our intent to cement our place in WSL1” said Chambers.
“Remi already has great experience in this league and combined with her experience of international and Champions League football, I believe she will be a great addition to our side.”
Allen, who rose through the England ranks, featuring at Under-15, U17, U19 and U23 levels, signed for Leeds United in 2009 and in 2011 made her WSL debut with Lincoln Ladies (now known as Notts County).
Aside from a brief spell at Leicester City, Allen spent three years at Lincoln before completing her switch to Birmingham in 2014.
“From the games I’ve seen, I’ve been impressed with Reading,” said Allen.
“They have shown a strong work ethic and are physically very fit.
“I think the foundations the girls have built in the first half of the season have been really good.”
She added: “For me it’s about getting playing again and to get back to enjoying football.
“I want to help the group and helps the girls finish strong for the remainder of the season.”
Remi will wear the number 8 shirt, left vacant by Horwood and could make her debut against Arsenal in the Continental Cup on Saturday.
