Nigeria defender Ashleigh Plumptre has made a significant move by joining Saudi club Al-Ittihad on a free transfer after leaving Leicester City. This landmark move positions Plumptre as one of the most high-profile signings in the Saudi Women’s Premier League.
Plumptre, who represented England at the youth level, switched her allegiance to Nigeria earlier this year. Her participation in all four of Nigeria’s matches at the Women’s World Cup showcases her talent and experience on the national stage.
Expressing her excitement about the new chapter in her career, the 25-year-old said, [I am] excited to start this journey alongside some incredible human beings. Plumptre was a regular starter for Leicester City last season, featuring in all but two matches in the Women’s Super League where the team finished 10th.
Joining Plumptre at Al-Ittihad is her new manager, Kelly Lindsey, a former US international and former head of performance at Lewes FC. The Saudi club has also made eye-catching signings in the men’s team, including the likes of Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante. However, this has raised concerns over accusations of sportswashing Saudi Arabia’s reputation.
Saudi Arabia has faced criticism for its human rights record, particularly regarding women’s and LGBTQ+ rights. The country’s use of the death penalty, with same-sex sexual activity being illegal and potentially punishable by death, has also been a topic of concern. While the Saudi Women’s Football League was launched in 2020 and women were permitted into stadiums two years prior, activists argue that more progress needs to be made in addressing these human rights issues.
Al-Ittihad is one of four Saudi clubs that were taken over by the country’s Public Investment Fund earlier this year. Peter Hutton, a member of the Saudi Pro League board, praised the remarkable changes in the role of women in Saudi society, pointing to the increasing number of school girls playing football and the growing presence of women coaches.
Saudi Arabia’s women’s team recently entered the FIFA world rankings for the first time, and the country is currently bidding to host the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup. These developments indicate progress in women’s football in the country.
While Plumptre’s move to Al-Ittihad is undoubtedly a significant milestone, it also raises questions about the overall progress of women’s rights in Saudi Arabia. While some positive changes have been observed, there is still work to be done to address concerns surrounding human rights and equal opportunities for women and LGBTQ+ individuals.
As Plumptre begins her journey with Al-Ittihad, the focus remains on how both she and the Saudi Women’s Premier League can contribute to the further development of women’s football in the country.
