Tottenham Hotspur announced the signing of 22-year-old France international defender Alice Sombath from Lyon on July 21 for a club record transfer fee. [1, 2, 3] While the exact amount was not disclosed, reports indicate the fee exceeded Tottenham's previous record of around £375,000 paid for Signe Gaupset. [4, 1, 2, 3]
Sombath joined Lyon in 2020 from Paris Saint-Germain's youth setup. [4, 2] Over five to six seasons, she made between 102 and 106 appearances for Lyon in all competitions, according to different sources. [4, 1, 2, 3] During her time at Lyon, she won five consecutive Première Ligue titles and was part of the squad that lifted the 2021-22 Women's Champions League trophy. [4, 1, 2, 3]
She made her senior debut for the France national team in 2024 and has earned 16 caps since. [4, 1, 3] Sombath is versatile in defense, able to operate as a centre-back or right-back. [4]
Tottenham manager Martin Ho praised Sombath's qualities, saying, "She has already shown real maturity in her performances, and we believe she has all the qualities to continue developing into a top player within our environment. Alice is an aggressive defender who is comfortable in possession, competitive in her duels, and has the ambition to keep improving every day." [2] Sombath said she was excited about the competitive nature of the Women's Super League: "I think the league is very competitive, every game is a tough game, and that's what I'm most excited about." [1] She also noted, "I saw that Spurs had a very good season last year. My qualities can bring something to the team, even though I know they already have a lot." [2]
Sombath is Tottenham's sixth signing of the summer, joining Shekeira Martinez, Kirsty Hanson, Victoria Pelova, Caitlin Dijkstra, and Selma Panengstuen. [4, 2] Tottenham finished fifth in the Women's Super League last season, up from 11th place the year before. [2]
The club will look to integrate Sombath into the squad ahead of the new Women's Super League season, aiming to build on their improved league position.
