Liverpool have signed defender, Gemma Bonner from Racing Louisville subject to international clearance.
Bonner began her career at Leeds United before going on to join Chelsea in 2011 for two seasons prior to her first spell at Liverpool, during which she led the Reds to the 2013 & 14 Women’s Super League (WSL) titles across six seasons on Merseyside.
The 31 year-old went on to join Manchester City with whom she won two Women’s FA Cup and League Cup titles but injuries limited her playing time, which led Bonner in April 2021 to join NWSL’s Racing Louisville on an initial two-year contract in which she scored two goals this season.
Racing Louisville though opted not to activate an one-season contract extension which has led Bonner to re-join Liverpool on a free transfer, following discussion between club and player with Bonner opting to return to England for personal reasons.
“It’s a pretty special moment for me. I still pinch myself when I’m coming into Anfield,” commented Bonner on her return to Merseyside.
On what it means to wear the Liverpool shirt again and why she has re-joined the Reds, Bonner said: “I’m super-excited to be back and I can’t wait to pull the shirt on again and get out there with the girls – and get back playing for Liverpool.
“I was here for quite a while before, it was a hard decision to leave but I think I always knew within myself that one day I would love to come back to Liverpool. Now the time feels right.”
Liverpool currently sit ninth in the WSL after returning to the women’s top-flight after a two-season absence, with Bonner confident of the club having “good foundations” of which they are currently building upon as she hopes to “come in and contribute to the continued progression.”
Manager, Matt Beard added that the opportunity to bring Bonner back “was too good an opportunity to pass up” given her experience – having previously coached Bonner during their first spell at Liverpool as he pointed to “leadership and experience” which Bonner can bring to the team.
Reflecting on how Bonner’s experience will be relevant to the current squad, Beard concluded: “She’s won everything in England with Liverpool and Man City and has now experienced America to broaden her horizons and open her eyes to different football cultures.”
Bonner’s first match back as a Liverpool player sees the Reds face a difficult WSL trip away to title-chasing Manchester United on 15 January at 2:05pm GMT live on BBC One for UK-based fans.