Daphne van Domselaar Set to Join Aston Villa Women
Aston Villa Women are set to sign goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar from FC Twente. The Netherlands international, who is in the country’s provisional squad for the Women’s World Cup, will become a free agent later this month. The 23-year-old will join the WSL side on a three-year deal, subject to international clearance and FA approval.
Van Domselaar made her senior debut for FC Twente in December 2017 and has since become an integral part of the team. Her form last season saw her included in Andries Jonkers’ 30-strong provisional Netherlands squad for the World Cup taking place in Australia and New Zealand this summer. The head coach is due to name his final group of 23 on June 30th with the squad currently containing four WSL players.
The swoop for the goalkeeper, who helped the Netherlands reach last year’s Euros quarter-finals, will see her become Villa Women’s first signing this summer. News of her switch comes a day after the club announced the departure of England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.
Boss Carla Ward said: “Daphne is someone we’ve tracked for some time. We knew we had real competition from some of Europe’s biggest clubs so we’re delighted she’s chosen to continue her development with us. She’s a player who comes with great pedigree and potential to be one of the world’s best. We’re delighted to have her and we very much look forward to working with her.”
Van Domselaar’s Career So Far
Van Domselaar made her senior debut at club level for FC Twente in the Netherland’s top-flight back in December 2017. The shot-stopper came on as a first-half substitute following the sending off of Nicky Evrard, helping the team claim a 2-1 win against rivals Heerenveen.
She made her senior international debut for her country in February 2022, keeping a clean sheet during their 3-0 defeat of Finland. And she appeared in all four of the Netherlands’ games at last summer’s Euros following an injury to Sari van Veenendaal.
Last season Van Domselaar kept 15 clean sheets in 20 top-flight games for FC Twente. She helped the team finish second in the Women’s Eredivisie.
World Cup Prospects
Van Domselaar’s inclusion in the Netherlands’ provisional squad for the World Cup is a testament to her talent and potential. The head coach is yet to name his final group of 23, but the squad currently contains four WSL players, including Victoria Pelova of Arsenal and Kerstin Casparij of Manchester City. Everton’s Katja Snoeijs and Liverpool’s Shanice van de Sanden are also part of the 30-strong group.
The Netherlands, who were runners-up in the 2019 World Cup, take on Portugal in their Group E opening clash on July 23 in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Conclusion
Daphne van Domselaar’s move to Aston Villa Women is set to be completed later this month, subject to international clearance and FA approval. The Netherlands international is due to become the WSL side’s first summer signing following Hannah Hampton’s departure. Van Domselaar’s inclusion in the Netherlands’ provisional squad for the World Cup is a testament to her talent and potential, and Villa Women will be hoping that she can help them push on next season.