Victoria Pelova has completed a surprise move from Arsenal to Tottenham Hotspur, giving Spurs one of the most technically gifted midfielders in the Women’s Super League as they continue their ambitious rebuild under Martin Ho.
The Netherlands international will officially join Tottenham ahead of the 2026/27 season following the expiration of her Arsenal contract, ending a three-and-a-half-year spell in North London with the Gunners.
For Tottenham, the signing represents far more than adding another experienced player. Pelova arrives with elite-level pedigree, Champions League experience, and a point to prove after an injury-disrupted period at Arsenal.
Key Transfer Details
Player: Victoria Pelova
Age: 27
Position: Midfielder
From: Arsenal
To: Tottenham Hotspur
Transfer Type: Free transfer
International Caps: 71 (Netherlands)
Contract Start: 2026/27 season
Pelova Chooses Spurs After Arsenal Exit
Tottenham confirmed the signing on Thursday, with Pelova expressing her excitement about the move and highlighting the influence of head coach Martin Ho during discussions.
“It felt immediately right to go to Spurs,” Pelova said after completing the transfer.
The 27-year-old becomes one of Tottenham’s most significant additions of the summer as the club looks to build on last season’s impressive fifth-place finish in the Women’s Super League.
While Arsenal ultimately allowed Pelova’s contract to run down, Tottenham have moved quickly to secure a player who was once considered one of Europe’s most promising midfield talents.
A Career Built on Consistency and Technical Quality
Pelova’s journey to the Women’s Super League began in the Netherlands with ADO Den Haag, where she announced herself as one of the country’s brightest young talents.
After scoring 27 goals in 57 appearances for the Dutch club, she earned a move to Ajax, where her reputation continued to grow. During four successful seasons in Amsterdam, Pelova won domestic silverware and gained valuable UEFA Women’s Champions League experience.
Her performances attracted interest from across Europe before Arsenal secured her signature in January 2023. The move initially looked like a perfect fit.
Pelova adapted quickly to English football, registering two goals and six assists during the second half of her debut campaign while helping Arsenal win the Women’s League Cup. Her first full season in England further showcased her versatility, intelligence, and creativity in midfield.
The ACL Injury That Changed Everything
Just as Pelova appeared ready to establish herself as a key figure for Arsenal, disaster struck. A serious ACL injury ruled her out for most of the 2024/25 season, halting her momentum at a crucial stage of her career.
Although she successfully returned to action in March 2025 and later became part of Arsenal’s UEFA Women’s Champions League-winning squad, recovering players often require significant time before rediscovering their best form.
The Dutch international showed encouraging signs throughout the 2025/26 campaign, making 30 appearances in all competitions, but competition for places at Arsenal remained fierce. For both player and club, a fresh start increasingly looked like the best solution.
Why Tottenham Wanted Victoria Pelova
Tottenham’s interest in Pelova makes perfect sense when examining Martin Ho’s tactical approach. Spurs have become one of the Women’s Super League’s most progressive teams, emphasizing aggressive pressing, quick transitions, and intelligent positional play.
Pelova’s profile fits those demands perfectly. She can operate as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, deep-lying playmaker, or wide creator. Her ability to receive possession under pressure and progress the ball through midfield is a quality Tottenham occasionally lacked against the league’s strongest opponents last season.
More importantly, Pelova brings experience.
With over 70 international appearances for the Netherlands and major tournament experience at World Cups, European Championships, and the Olympic Games, she adds leadership to a squad entering an important phase of development.
What Pelova and Martinez Tell Us About Tottenham’s Ambitions
The signing also follows Tottenham’s acquisition of Germany international Shekiera Martinez from West Ham United and Kirsty Hanson from Aston Villa Together, the arrivals of Martinez, Hanson and Pelova signal a clear strategy.
Rather than making short-term signings, Spurs are targeting players entering their prime years who can immediately improve the starting lineup while helping elevate the club’s long-term ambitions.
Following the departures of Bethany England and Kit Graham, Tottenham are reshaping the squad around a younger, more dynamic core. Pelova’s creativity from midfield and Martinez’s direct attacking threat suggest Spurs are building a team capable of challenging the Women’s Super League’s traditional top four.
Can Pelova Rediscover Her Best Form?
That will be the key question surrounding this transfer. At her peak, Pelova was one of the most complete midfielders in Dutch football. Her technical ability, tactical intelligence, and versatility made her a valuable asset for both club and country.
The ACL injury interrupted that trajectory, but Tottenham may offer the ideal environment for her to reignite her career. Regular playing time, a clear tactical role, and a manager who clearly values her qualities could help Pelova reach the level she displayed before her injury setback.
If that happens, Tottenham may have secured one of the bargains of the summer transfer window.
Victoria Pelova Transfer: The Verdict
While this move may not generate the headlines of some of the Women’s Super League’s biggest transfers, it has the potential to become one of the smartest deals of the summer.
Tottenham are signing a player with Champions League experience, international pedigree, and proven quality in the WSL without paying a transfer fee.
For Pelova, the move offers a fresh challenge and an opportunity to become a central figure in an ambitious project. For Spurs, it could be the signing that takes their midfield to the next level.
Source: Tottenham Hotspur