Barça Femeni complete the signing of Man Utd's Ona Batlle until 2026
The full-back has returned to Barcelona after six years away from the club
Ona Batlle returns home, as SPORT first revealed. The Catalan full-back, developed at La Masia, rejoins Barcelona on a free transfer from Manchester United to take the next step in her career. She has signed a contract until June 2026.
After spending six seasons between the youth team and the B team, Batlle moved to Madrid CFF in 2017, then to Levante the following year and finally, in 2020, to United, where she has been for the last three years. Barça had already tried to sign her last year but were turned down by the English club.
Her intention has always been to return to her former home and she is finally doing so, having established herself as one of the best full-backs in the world, both in the Women's Super League and with the Spanish national team.
"Barça in my heart"
"It has always been my dream to be in the Barça first team," Batlle said. "It's true that I left, but I left with the mentality of being able to return. I'm really looking forward to sharing the dressing room and experiences with the players I'll be playing with."
Ona Batlle, 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣
— FC Barcelona Femení (@FCBfemeni) June 19, 2023
💙❤️💙❤️💙❤️💙💙
She knows the players well already -- she shared a dressing room in the youth ranks with Aitana Bonmati and has played with many of the squad at international level -- and her adaptation is expected to be quick and easy.
"For me, Barça has always been in my heart and it's not easy to say no to them," she added. "I've had it in my mind from the first moment.
"I have a lot more experience than when I left. I've been travelling, even playing in England, where I've been very happy but I'm very happy to be able to come back and continue my career here. I will give my all and enjoy it, which is the most important thing."
