Aston Villa break club record to land statement summer signing

Aston Villa have signed Gabi Nunes from Levante
-Credit: (Image: Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)


Aston Villa Women have broken the club's transfer record to complete the signing of Brazilian international Gabi Nunes from Levante.

Villa have triggered a release clause of 300,000 euros (£250,000), with the forward set to join on a two-year deal with the option of a further year. Nunes turned professional with Centro Olímpico in 2014 and enjoyed spells with Brazilian sides Corinthians and Madrid CFF before making the move to Spain last year.

The 27-year-old has 22 international caps and featured at this summer’s Olympic Games, where she helped her country to a silver medal. Manager Robert de Pauw said: “I first saw Gabi few years ago; she is a technically gifted player who knows how to find the goal. Gabi is a player who knows how to play in tight areas as well as arriving into the box and getting on the end of crosses.”

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“She can play in several attacking positions and will contribute towards our continued development. We are very pleased to welcome her to our team.”

Head of Women’s Football, Lee Billiard added: “We are delighted to welcome Gabi to Aston Villa. She is talented player who brings plenty of experience at both domestic and international level.”

“Gabi is a player we believe can make an impact in the WSL as well as add further depth to our squad. She will excite fans and we look forward to seeing her in claret and blue.”

Nunes' signing is a huge statement of intent from Villa, who finished seventh in the Women's Super League (WSL) last season. She becomes the club's eighth signing of the summer, with De Pauw's set to kick off the new campaign against Chelsea on September 20.