City Women sign Lorca Van De Putte

Van De Putte, 29, started her career at Sinaai Girls in Belgium.

In 2007, she moved to FC Twente, where she spent five years at club eventually leaving at the end of the 2012 season to move to RSC Anderlecht.

The following season, in 2013, the talented defender moved to Kristianstads DFF.

A Belgian international, the Red Flames star has made over 50 appearances for her national side.

After making the move to England, Van De Putte is excited to test herself in a new environment once again.

She said: “After hearing City Women were interested in me, I didn’t hesitate to come down to SGS College and take a look around the fantastic facilities.

“I am an ambitious player and the club matches my ambition which is exciting.

“The way the Vixens play the game suits my style of play and I can’t wait to contribute to the team this season. The club is back where it belongs in WSL 1 and I am going to give my all for the shirt every time I am on the pitch.”

City Women manager Willie Kirk spoke of his latest recruit: “We had half a dozen targets at the end of the Spring Series with the aim of recruiting a quality left back.

“Two of these signed a new contract with their current club, one decided that a move to England wasn’t right for them at this time and the other three were due to appear at the Euros.

“Lorca unfortunately picked up an injury the week before the Euros so I had to rely on past footage of her, however it did mean it gave us the chance to get her across to Bristol for a look around and a face to face chat.

“Upon thoroughly assessing all three potential options, it was quite obvious to me that Lorca was the best fit for the club in terms of on and off the pitch.

“She offers us great experience, can play in a number of different roles on the pitch and is physically and technically very good. I’m really looking forward to working with her in the upcoming season.”

Season cards are on sale now, buy here