CommBank Matildas' goalkeeper Lydia Williams has officially signed for Paris Saint-Germain for the upcoming Division 1 Féminine season on a one-season contract, making the move from Arsenal in England.
Australia’s newest centurion signs with PSG after spending the last two seasons with Arsenal and joins Ellie Carpenter in the French league, signing a deal with the side until 30 June 2023.
The goalkeeper’s two-season stint in England saw her make 18 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions, keeping 14 clean sheets in these starts.
Williams made her UWCL debut for the Gunners in a 4-0 win over Slavia Prague, with her new side already confirming their place in this season’s UWCL competition after being eliminated in the semi-finals last season by French rivals Lyon.
Williams said in a statement: “I am very happy to finally be in Paris and to have the opportunity to play here. It's very exciting and now I'm really looking forward to being able to be on the pitch."
“I have always loved coming to Paris, visiting France and discovering this country. I'm very happy to be able to be part of such an institution with this story, it's really very exciting. I can't wait to see what it will bring."
PSG finished second in the D1 last season, with Carpenter’s Lyon reclaiming the title after PSG claimed it for the first time in the 2020-21 season.
The French side claimed the Coupe de France title, beating Yzeure 8-0 in the final to lift their third title.
When asked about her goals for the upcoming season, Williams added: “I just want to help as much as possible. I want to be on the same wavelength as my teammates, play as much as possible and win titles."
"I think there is an incredible group, who already know each other well, who have achieved great things and I can't wait to be part of it."
Williams’ signing is the third new addition of the season for PSG, with Dutch international Lieke Martens signing with the French side from FC Barcelona and French international Océane Hurtré signing her first professional contract with Paris.
Williams will join the likes of Constance Picaud and Barbora Votíková vying for a spot in goals, with the latter still recovering from an ACL injury sustained in PSG’s UWCL semi-final loss to Lyon.