Sheffield United Women have moved to add a highly rated centre-back to their squad as Maria Reynolds joins from Shamrock Rovers for an undisclosed fee on a two-year deal with an option of an extra year through to 2029.
The Republic of Ireland defender becomes the Blades’ fourth summer signing as head coach Stephen Healy continues to shape his squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
22-year-old Reynolds, born in Bray, played local youth football before joining the ranks at Peamount United and subsequently Shamrock in 2020, progressing to the first team set up where she made her senior debut in 2023.
Reynolds played alongside current United forward Joy Ralph who she is reunited with in S2, the defender quickly becoming one of the League of Ireland’s top talents, eventually rewarded with a first call-up to the Republic of Ireland senior squad in April for World Cup qualifiers against Poland.
Making the move to England for the first time ahead of an exciting new chapter in her career, Reynolds can’t wait to get going with the Blades.
“It’s super exciting. I’m so happy to be here, even just walking in and seeing the stadium, it’s been amazing to see.
“It’s all a range of emotions. I’m super excited, obviously nervous as well, but I just can’t wait to get started with the girls.
“Joy is one of my best friends from home and she’s been great throughout the process of me coming here and she’s had only positive words to say.”
Healy is also delighted to have added another key signing to his squad.
"Maria ticks another huge box for us in the squad we're aiming to build ahead of the new season. She's an imposing centre-back who at just 22 has already been acknowledged by the senior Republic of Ireland set up and enjoyed regular senior football at club level.
"She also comes straight out of the domestic season in Ireland, so we're hopeful she can come in and hit the ground running while remaining mindful this is a new league for her, but we're very excited about Maria's potential."
