Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool FC Women have moved quickly to strengthen a squad that flirted a little too closely with the wrong end of the Women’s Super League last season.
After spending much of the last campaign hovering around a relegation scrap, Gareth Taylor’s side ultimately pulled clear, but the warning signs were there.
This summer has brought a reset, with Liverpool already adding Slovenia international centre-back Sara AgreZ from Cologne and German forward Vivien Endemann from Wolfsburg to bolster both ends of the pitch.
Those deals signal a plan to add proven European quality rather than relying solely on internal development.
It follows several high-profile departures including Gemma Bonner, Gemma Evans, Jennifer Falk, Risa Shimizu and Martha Thomas at the end of their contracts.
The club have now confirmed the signing of 20-year-old Mari Ward, who becomes the third new addition to Taylor’s squad ahead of the 2026-27 WSL season after her contract expired at Bristol City.
Ward arrives without a transfer fee but with experience, having started 21 of Bristol City’s 22 league games last season as they finished fourth in the Barclays Women’s Championship.
Ward is primarily a left-back but can operate on either side of the defence.
Ward told Liverpoolfc.com: “I’m so excited. Liverpool is such a huge club with such a big history.
“So, to be a Liverpool player now is really special.
“I can’t wait to put on the Liverpool shirt for the first time. It’s going to be so special. And to walk out as a Liverpool player, it’s still unreal to even think about it. I can’t wait for that moment.”
On the international stage, she has already been capped by England at U23 level, adding to earlier appearances for the U17s, U19s and U20s, and she will wear the No.28 shirt at Liverpool.
The WSL is expanding to 14 teams in 2026/27, and the Reds will now play 26 fixtures with three of those matches set to take place at Anfield.