Danielle Carter is the newest Reading FC Women recruit having departed Arsenal after 11 years.
The striker made it through the ranks of Leyton Orient as a youth before signing with the Gunners in 2009 where she has remained ever since, making 101 appearances and scored 28 goals for the club.
Carter was part of the 2011 squad that won the FA WSL and the FA Women’s Cup and was responsible for scoring the only goal of Arsenal’s FA Cup victory over rivals Chelsea in 2016.
Plagued by two ACL injuries in 14 months, Carter has spent most of her time on the sidelines since May 2018 at Arsenal but has shown a serious dedication to recovery this year. She will be seen as a serious addition to the Reading squad as the 2020/21 season is expected to get underway at the beginning of September.
Related: Jayne Ludlow – From the Welsh valleys to Arsenal’s top goal-scorer
Manager Kelly Chambers revealed in a statement on the club website that, “Dan is a great addition to the team and also a great person to have in the group. I cannot wait to work with her and get her back to what she does best, which can be world-class.”
Carter has also had a prolific international career with the Lionesses, having represented all levels from U-17’s to senior level, with 50 caps, 19 goals, a hat trick on her senior debut and a GB gold medal to her name.
Danielle is the first official signing confirmed by Reading FC Women (though shortly after this article was published, the club announced Emma Mitchell) in the transfer window after eight players contracts came to an end in June. The news does, however, come alongside rumours New Zealand goalkeeper Erin Nayler is on her way to Berkshire from Bordeaux.
