Defender Charlotte Wardlaw Joins Liverpool FC Women On Loan

Liverpool FC Women announced their second loan deal in as many days today with the announcement that Chelsea’s Charlotte Wardlaw is joining the club on loan for the 2021-22 season.

The 18-year-old is Liverpool’s eighth signing of the summer and manager Matt Beard is excited about the potential and versatility she will bring to his overhauled squad.

“Charlotte’s a fantastic young player. She’s had a great pre-season so far with Chelsea,” said Beard.

“She’s going to bring versatility; she can play full-back, centre-back, holding midfield. She’ll definitely bring energy, she’s athletic, she can pass the ball and she doesn’t mind putting her foot in,” he added.

While not quite a key player for the Blues, Wardlaw made her Chelsea senior debut at 16, and she was with the first team throughout their Women’s Super League title-winning season last year.

“She’s going to be a great addition to the squad, she’s just been rewarded with her first contract at Chelsea and they think very highly of her. She’s been in and around their first team for over a year now. She’s a player we were monitoring even before I came in here so she’s someone we know well and we’re looking forward to seeing her continue her development here.”

The young Wardlaw, who will wear number 2 for the Reds, expressed delight at joining Beard’s side for the upcoming season, and she’s clearly ready for the chance to prove herself.

“I’m so excited,” she said. “It’s a massive club and I’m really honoured to be here to represent Liverpool.

“Matt has set up a team to win and it’s an environment I wanted to be in. I’m looking to get as much game time as possible and put what I’ve been working on into gameplay, and show people what I can do.”

“The girls have been really welcoming and have helped me settle in and I feel this is the club to be at, at the moment.

“Matt feels like I can contribute something to this team and that’s a big honour for me.”

As for what style of play fans can expect from her, Wardlaw describes herself as a tenacious defender who can also get forward with the ball and create scoring chances.

“I like to get on the ball, create goalscoring opportunities but also be composed, chill the game out when it needs to be done. I love defending and I’m quite a tough player so I’ll just do everything for the team.”