Palace secure WSL2 top scorer on three-year deal
Crystal Palace have signed England Under-23s striker Lexi Lloyd-Smith from Bristol City on a contract running until the summer of 2029. The 23-year-old forward becomes the latest addition to a squad rebuilding for its return to the Women’s Super League.
A proven record in the second tier
Lloyd-Smith was WSL2’s top scorer last season, scoring 23 goals in 48 appearances for Bristol City. She will play in the top flight for the first time after Palace finished runners-up in the second tier last year to earn promotion.
Potter and Lloyd-Smith on the move
Palace manager Jo Potter described Lloyd-Smith as a “real talent” who “showed us all what she could do in the WSL2 last season”. Lloyd-Smith said she was happy to return to her south London roots and added: “I know I’m going to be playing for something more now – my roots, where I’m from. I’ll always be proud to be from Peckham. It means everything.”
Continued summer rebuild
Her arrival follows the signing of Lionesses striker Bethany England earlier this week, extending Palace’s strengthening on their WSL return. The club has now added two forwards with international pedigree ahead of the new campaign.