The club have big ambitions as they gear up for the 2026/27 campaign

Sunderland Women have announced their second signing of the summer under new owners Bay Collective.

Having announced the arrival of 2023/24 Championship golden-boot winner Elise Hughes last week, the club have moved to sign Tara Bourne following her departure from Southampton. An England youth international, the 22-year-old started all but one of Southampton's fixtures and registered six goal contributions from the heart of the defence.

Head coach Mel Reay said it was a crucial signing for the club as they step up their preparations for the 2026/27 campaign.

"We’re delighted Tara has signed for Sunderland. She’s exactly the profile of player we wanted to add to the squad - a composed, ball-playing centre-back who defends aggressively and has the quality to dictate play from the back. She has all the attributes to help us control games with and without the ball, and we’re confident she’ll make a significant contribution to what we’re building here.”

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Bourne said she would give 100% for the badge and was hoping to help the club challenge for promotion.

“I’m really excited to get started," Bourne said.

"Having had a conversation with Mel [Reay], knowing some of the players and walking around the Academy of Light has me really excited to get going now. I want to win, challenge for promotion and develop as a player. I will give 100% every week and give everything for the badge.”

Bay Collective are leading the club's preparations for the new season, having appointed former Spurs and West Ham boss Rehanne Skinner as Technical Director.

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