Crystal Palace have announced that Shanade Hopcroft has signed a new short-term contract with the club. The midfielder joined Palace in 2023 but featured little during the 2024/25 season due to injuries.
Hopcroft came through the Chelsea Academy before moving to the United States on a scholarship. There, she scored plenty of goals and became a key player for Daytona State College and the Colorado Buffaloes. Since returning to South London, Hopcroft has made 27 appearances, scoring six goals and providing three assists.
She is the latest player to sign a new deal with the club, following the arrival of goalkeeper Eve Annets on a season-long loan from Manchester City.
Manchester City Goalkeeper Joins on Loan
Eve Annets, 19, came through the youth ranks at Reading before making her senior debut for Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup in 2023. She spent last season on loan at Portsmouth and will now continue her development in the Women’s Championship with Crystal Palace.
Speaking on her move, Annets said: “Absolutely stoked to be here. There is a really good set-up here and I want to be part of it. I am really, really excited.”
Crystal Palace Transfer Round Up
Manager Jo Potter head into the 2025/26 saeson with six new signings. Speaking after joining Palace, she said: “I’m extremely honoured to join Crystal Palace and looking forward to coming in and hitting the ground running.
“I know there’s huge ambition running throughout the club. I had a really good conversation with Steve Parish and could see how important the women’s team are to him and his aspirations for this club.”
Jamie-Lee Napier
Palace started their transfer business strongly with the signing of Jamie-Lee Napier. The former Bristol City captain brings a wealth of experience, having also played for Chelsea, Celtic and London City Lionesses.
Justine Vanhaevermaet
Next up was Belgium international Justine Vanhaevermaet, who signed a two-year deal with Palace. She has played in several top leagues across Europe, including spells in Germany, Norway, and England’s WSL with Reading and Everton.
Vanhaevermaet also brings international pedigree, having earned 77 caps for Belgium and featured at the Women’s EUROs in 2022 and 2025.
Kirsty Howats
The fifth signing of the summer was Scotland international Kirsty Howat, who previously lifted seven major trophies during her time at Glasgow City and Rangers.
Three Promising Loan Deals
The other three players to join Palace this summer are Lola Brown (Chelsea), Emma Watson (Manchester United) and Eve Annets (Manchester City) — all highly promising young talents who arrive on loan for the 2025/26 season.
Source: Crystal Palace