Well-travelled defender Lucia Lobato became Karen Hills’ first signing of the 2025 summer transfer window, signing a one-year contract.  

Lobato arrives from Olympique de Marseille having helped the French club win the Seconde Ligue to secure promotion to the Première Ligue last season.  

She is a physical centre back who is known to be dominant in duels on the pitch and calm and composed in possession. 

The move to England marks the fourth country the 24-year-old has played her football in, with the US-born and Irish-raised full-back playing in the US college system for Akron Zips and ULM Warhawks while appearing for Galaway LFC in the League of Ireland Women’s Premier Division during her summer breaks, before moving to Portuguese side Racing Power FC ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. 

Lobato also has experience of youth international football, playing for the Republic of Ireland U19s.