The Liverpool FC Women have continued their busy January as they look to add both quality and quantity to their depleted side. On Saturday, the Reds announced the signings of Denise O’Sullivan and Martha Thomas to their ranks.
Republic of Ireland midfielder Denise O’Sullivan was brought in on a permanent deal in a transfer from the NWSL’s Carolina Courage. According to the BBC’s Emma Sanders, the transfer fee for O’Sullivan is a club record £300,000, surpassing the amount paid for Olivia Smith in the summer
of 2024. O’Sullivan brings a wealth of top level experience for both club and country, featuring for Ireland 128 times and holding the record number of appearances for the NC Courage. She has also served as the team captain for her club team since 2023. The 31 year old has been a serial winner of hardware throughout her career, including winning the NWSL championship twice with the North Carolina Courage, as well as the NWSL Shield three times.
According to Emma Sanders, there were several clubs pushing to sign O’Sullivan. The Ireland midfielder ultimately chose the Reds due to the long-term plans for the club, the training facilities, and to be closer to her family.
“It means a lot. It’s a very proud moment for myself and also for my family, who are now only a 40-minute flight away,” said O’Sullivan.
“It is a massive club and I think when you join a club as big as Liverpool it comes with massive responsibility and I can’t wait to get to work and to give 100% every day.”
O’Sullivan should slot directly into a holding midfield role to provide a strong base in the middle of the pitch. With the NC Courage, she was known to be strong as both a ball winner and a ball progressor. She could pair with Fuka Nagano in a double pivot or play as the single pivot with Fuka playing further forward as a true box to box player.
Liverpool’s other signing is a relatively familiar face. Martha Thomas is joining the Reds on a loan deal from Spurs for the second half of the season. The Scot has been with Spurs since 2023, scoring 8 goals in 51 appearances. She also has 21 goals in 52 appearances for her national team. While Thomas isn’t a prolific goal scorer throughout her career, she is solid with the ball at her feet and bringing others in to play. She will provide needed depth at the central striker role behind Beata Olsson. Martha Thomas stated she is excited to link up with the Reds despite the short duration of the loan and wants to help the club climb up the table.
“It means a lot. It’s a really exciting time for me and I’m really excited to be here,” said Thomas in her introductory interview.
“I think it’s the right fit, right now in my career. Even though it’s a short loan, I’m really looking forward to be here and help this team climb the table where they deserve to be.”
With Denise O’Sullivan and Martha Thomas now in the fold, Liverpool have now made five signings this January. O’Sullivan joins Alice Bergstrom and Anna Josendal on permanent deals, while Thomas becomes the second loan signing after Jennifer Falk. It seems likely that four of the new players will be regular starters, with only Martha Thomas slated for a depth role. There may be one final player added this window as Gareth Taylor stated his hope to bring in a “few” players ahead of the announcements of O’Sullivan and Thomas.
