General view outside the stadium prior to the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on January 07, 20...
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 07: General view outside the stadium prior to the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on January 07, 2024 in London, England. Arsenal wear an all-white kit at home, for the first time in the club's history, in support of the 'No More Red' campaign against knife crime and youth violence. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
The versatile defender has joined Sheffield United after making her Arsenal first-team debut last season and signing professional terms in January.
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image via Sheffield United
Sophie Harwood has joined Sheffield United on loan for the 2026-27 season, with Arsenal sending the 18-year-old out to continue her development in the Barclays Women’s Super League 2.
The England youth international signed her first professional contract with Arsenal in January 2026 and made her senior debut two months later, appearing in the 5-0 win over West Ham at Emirates Stadium.
Harwood, who can play at full-back or in midfield, has been a regular for Arsenal’s Under-21s since arriving from Southampton two years ago and has also been involved regularly with the first-team squad.
“I’m absolutely buzzing. When I heard about this move, I was just so excited, and to be finally be here feels great,” Harwood said.
“I’ve honestly loved it. Ever since I first came in the girls have been so welcoming, the staff as well, it’s been a bit busy moving everything from London to here but I’ve enjoyed it so much.”
The move gives Harwood the chance to add regular senior football to a year in which she has already made her Arsenal debut and represented England Under-20s.
Sheffield United head coach Stephen Healy said the club had been tracking Harwood during the summer and welcomed the opportunity to work with one of Arsenal’s emerging players.
“We’ve been looking at Sophie this summer since she signed her first professional contract, which is a huge achievement at a club with as many talented players as Arsenal have,” he said.
“She brings not only real quality but also versatility in terms of positions she can cover, and that’s been magnified by her involvement with England’s Under 20s earlier this month.
“We’re delighted both Sophie and Arsenal have chosen us to aid her development this season, and vice versa for us to get the best out of a really talented young player.”
TARTU, ESTONIA - MAY 17: Erica Parkinson and Sophie Harwood of England pose during the UEFA Women's European Under-17 Championship 2022/23 Group B match between Sweden and England at Tamme Staadion on May 17, 2023 in Tartu, Estonia. (Photo by Marko Mumm/Getty Images)
TARTU, ESTONIA - MAY 17: Erica Parkinson and Sophie Harwood of England pose during the UEFA Women's European Under-17 Championship 2022/23 Group B match between Sweden and England at Tamme Staadion on May 17, 2023 in Tartu, Estonia. (Photo by Marko Mumm/Getty Images)