Scotland star completes major move as Rangers youngster named her replacement at former WSL club

Hanson, 28, arrives following a four-year stay with the Villains, where she was recently named the club’s player of the year after scoring 12 goals in 22 matches in the English women’s top flight last season, one of which was named as the league’s goal of the season.

Capped 48 times by Scotland since making her debut against Albania in 2019, Hanson has been a prominent player for the Midlands club in recent seasons and was a nominee for the WSL player of the season last month. She has also played for the likes of Manchester United and Doncaster Rovers Belles after beginning her professional career with Sheffield FC in 2016.

Speaking to Spurs’ official website, she said: “I'm absolutely delighted. It’s an exciting time to be a part of this club. “I'm ready for a new challenge and I always want to be better every single day. Martin Ho, the staff and the players are at such an exciting point - and I want to be a part of that."

Reuniting with head coach Martin Ho, who she worked with during his time as Manchester United’s assistant, he said: “I know Kirsty well from working with her previously and I know the qualities she brings both as a player and as a person. She has strong experience in the league, international experience with Scotland and a clear hunger to keep pushing her game forward.

“We are delighted she has chosen to come to Tottenham Hotspur and I'm excited to work with her again in an environment where we believe she can continue to develop, contribute and become an important player for the club."

Rangers teenager McAulay, an international teammate of Hanson, has been quickly installed as her replacement after Villa announced the arrival of the 19-year-old following the expiry of her contract in Glasgow. The teenager is viewed as one of Scotland’s most highly rated young talents, having won both the Scottish Women’s Cup and Sky Sports Cup with Rangers after making her professional debut at the age of 16.

Capped five times by the Scotland national team, Villa’s Director of Women’s Football, Marisa Ewers, said: “Mia is an exciting young attacking player with lots of potential. She is part of what we are looking to build at this club in the long term.”

McAulay becomes the 11th current Scotland international set to play in next season’s WSL, alongside Eartha Cumings (Manchester City), Jenna Clark, Kirsty McLean, Sam Kerr (all Liverpool), Rachel McLauchlan (Brighton), Miri Taylor (Aston Villa), Kirsty Howat (Crystal Palace), Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea), Martha Thomas (Tottenham Hotspur) and Hanson.