Watford FC Women are delighted to have completed the permanent signing of defender Zara Bailey, who yesterday celebrated her 18th birthday.
The left-footed centre-back was most recently on the books of Crystal Palace, who she joined in September 2025 as a Professional Game Academy player from Tottenham Hotspur.
She made one appearance for the Selhurst Park side, in an Adobe Women’s FA Cup third-round clash against Lewes.
Bailey had previously made her senior debut for Spurs in their win over Palace in the League Cup in December 2024, coming on as a sub in the final minutes of the game.
In January 2025, she was in Tottenham’s matchday squad for their WSL fixture against Leicester City.
Before joining Spurs, Bailey played for Oxford United and Reading, while she has represented England at Under-17 level.
She captained the Young Lionesses side in a 3-2 victory over Sweden in March 2025, where she also scored the opening goal.
A player with great pace and versatility, Bailey can also play at full-back.
