Striker Rachel Williams returns to Leicester City from Manchester United

Leicester City have signed striker Rachel Williams from Manchester United on a one-and-a-half year contract, with the club having the option of a one-year extension.

The 38-year-old, who began her career at Leicester in 2004, returns to the club after winning two FA Cup titles with Birmingham City and United.

During her 16-year career, Williams earned 13 caps for England and represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics.

She won the WSL Golden Boot in 2011 while at Birmingham City and has extensive experience from time at previous clubs including Chelsea and Tottenham.

“I started my career here and I always said I wanted to come back. Leicester City is my hometown,” Williams said.

He added: “I feel like I still have a lot to offer the club, and the opportunity to return is something I was looking forward to doing.”

During her four-year stay at United, Williams scored 21 goals in 90 appearances and teamed up with former Birmingham City manager Mark Skinner.

She scored in the FA Cup final victory over Tottenham in 2024, and also scored the 88th-minute winner against Brighton in the 2023 semi-final.

“Rachel is one of our unique footballers and an icon for our club,” Skinner said.

“I was very sad when we brought her in, but she has made history for herself with the superlative role of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

“I can’t speak highly enough of her. We wish her the best for the rest of her career. We let her go with a heavy heart, but it was the right move.”