Newcastle sign Liverpool forward Kiernan

Newcastle United confirm the signing of Republic of Ireland forward Leanne Kiernan from Liverpool for an undisclosed fee.

Leanne Kiernan was Liverpool's top scorer in 2021-22 when they won WSL 2 Newcastle United have confirmed the signing of Republic of Ireland forward Leanne Kiernan from Liverpool for an undisclosed fee. BBC Sport reported last week the clubs were in advanced talks as Kiernan’s exit from Liverpool, where she spent five years, neared. It is understood Kiernan has joined Newcastle on a three-year deal. The 27-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Nottingham Forest but still had at least a year remaining on her Liverpool contract, after signing an extension in 2025. The forward netted 23 goals in 76 appearances for the Reds, playing a key role in their WSL 2 title win in 2022 as she finished as the club's top scorer with 14. She leaves Liverpool as their second-highest goalscorer in the WSL era, though injuries disrupted her more recent seasons at the club. Before joining Liverpool, Kiernan made more than 40 appearances for West Ham in the WSL, after beginning her career at Shelbourne. Kiernan has also made 38 appearances for the Republic of Ireland, having made her debut in 2017. However, she found game time hard to come by under Liverpool boss Gareth Taylor, starting just once in the WSL before joining Forest in January. Liverpool have also added to their attacking ranks this summer with the arrival of Germany forward Vivien Endemann from Wolfsburg. Kiernan brings attacking depth to Newcastle, who have had a busy transfer window with eight additions as they prepare to challenge for the WSL 2 title. Find interviews and extra content from the Women's Super League and beyond on the Women's Football Weekly feed Get the latest WSL news on our dedicated page