Tottenham Hotspur Women are on an absolute tear this January transfer window, and we’re only five days in. Today, Spurs announced their fifth signing of the midseason window, signing 24-year-old Norway international utility defender and midfielder Julie Blakstad on a free transfer. Blakstad most recently played for Hammarby IF.
You might recognize the name — Blakstad played for Manchester City in the WSL from 2022-2024 but spent the rest of her career in the Nordics, including a memorable season at Norwegian Toppligen side FL Fart, a club that makes the 12-year-old in me giggle in absolute glee.
Martin Ho loves his versatile player and that’s exactly what they get in Blakstad. Utilized mostly as a left back last season, Blakstad nevertheless contributed 16 goals and 8 assists for Hammarby. She was sparingly used at City during her tenure there but also played as a left winger. It’s not hard to see Blakstad as a replacement — and improvement — on long-tenured Spurs fullback Ash Neville (more on her later), but she can also play higher up the pitch as needed. She also has Champions League experience.
Blakstad joins fellow Norway international Signe Gaupset, Matilda Nilden, Hannah Wijk, and Maika Hamano this month, with Spurs’ first match coming this weekend against Leicester City.
In the welcome interview, head coach Martin Ho was explicitly clear on what Blakstad can bring to this Spurs Women team.
“Julie is a modern, dynamic full-back who brings a real attacking edge to her game. She combines pace, technical quality and game intelligence with the ability to consistently impact the game in the final third, while still delivering the defensive intensity and discipline required at the highest level. Julie’s bravery in possession, timing of her forward runs and quality of decision-making mean she will regularly influence decisive moments in advanced areas.
“She was a clear priority for us, and despite strong competition from a number of top clubs in England and across Europe, Julie chose Tottenham Hotspur as the best environment to continue her development. That decision reflects her ambition, belief in our project, and the clarity of our vision.
“We are delighted to welcome a player of her quality, mentality and potential to the Club.”
Boy, that goes for me too, gaffer. Welcome to Tottenham, Julie Blakstad!
