‘Absolutely delighted’ – Atkinson buzzing as Sunderland confirm latest transfer
Sunderland are a club transformed, with the men’s team promoted to the Premier League and the women’s team looking to progress.
Last season, the Black Cats finished seventh in the Barclays Women’s Championship, which was a decline from their previous campaign.
This summer, the North East club have been making transfer inroads, with Grace Moloney arriving at Sunderland.
Now, the Wearsiders have landed another player ahead of the Championship season in Izzy Atkinson.
Atkinson signs short-term deal with Sunderland
The Wearside club have been busy this summer and extended Player of the Season winner Katie Kitching’s contract.
Sunderland will be eyeing promotion next season and have been handed a boost by the Women’s Super League.
That is because the WSL will be expanding from 12 to 14 teams for the 2026/27 season, meaning three teams could be promoted.
Now, the Black Cats have announced in a statement via their official website on Thursday (31 July) that they have signed Atkinson on a one-year deal, with the North East club holding an option for a further year.
The winger has already tasted Championship promotion with Crystal Palace, which she achieved in 2024.
Furthermore, she played in the WSL with West Ham and has 24 caps for the Republic of Ireland.
- Promoted from the Championship with Crystal Palace
- WSL experience with West Ham
- International experience with Ireland
On signing for Sunderland, Atkinson said: I’m absolutely delighted to join Sunderland. The conversations with Mel have been really positive.
“She made me feel wanted from the start and talked about the ambitions here, which really stood out.
“There’s a strong group and a clear vision – I want to be part of that. This feels like a fresh start for me, and I’m ready to hit the ground running.”
Promotion to WSL absolute must for Black Cats
The Black Cats may have faltered last term, which saw them fall from their perch in the top three.
This season, if they achieve a third-place finish, then they will have to go through the play-offs to achieve promotion.
However, the goal next season must be to finish in the automatic promotion places.
| Season | Finish |
| 2022/23 | 11th |
| 2023/24 | 3rd |
| 2024/25 | 7th |
Atkinson will face her former club, Crystal Palace, who suffered relegation last season, as well as London City Lionesses.
With plenty of time to go until the new campaign, Sunderland must bring in more fresh faces to challenge the league’s best.
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