Melbourne City have signed experienced English defender Danielle Turner from FA Women’s Super League (WSL) side Aston Villa on a two-year deal.
Turner, 33, joins City from Villa where she made 71 appearances over three seasons, and won the WSL Goal of the Season award for a spectacular striker against Manchester City in 2023.
The experienced left-footer spent 15 years at Everton prior to her move to Villa, where she rose through the club’s academy before being named captain in 2017 for The Toffees’ return to the WSL.
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SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 27: Danielle Turner of Everton in possession during the Barclays FA Women’s Super League match between Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion at Haig Avenue on October 27, 2019 in Southport, United Kingdom. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images) " data-medium-file="https://aleagues.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/GettyImages-1183753278.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://aleagues.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/GettyImages-1183753278.jpg?w=1024" src="https://aleagues.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/GettyImages-1183753278.jpg" alt class="wp-image-323529" srcset="https://aleagues.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/GettyImages-1183753278.jpg 1024w, https://aleagues.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/GettyImages-1183753278.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https://aleagues.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/GettyImages-1183753278.jpg?resize=768,512 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px">
Turner (right) spent 15 years at Everton.
Turner departs Villa for a new opportunity in Melbourne, where she’s eager to help City compete on multiple fronts as the club returns to the AFC Women’s Champions League for a second consecutive campaign, whilst defending their Premiership title in the Ninja A-League.
“I’m really excited to join Melbourne City,” Turner said.
“It’s a club with high ambitions and a clear identity, and I can’t wait to be part of it.
“After so many years in England, I was ready for a new challenge and it’s an opportunity that felt like the right fit.
“I’m looking forward to getting started with the team, experiencing a new domestic league and the AFC Women’s Champions League, and contributing however I can to bring more success to City.”
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – APRIL 30: Danielle Turner of Aston Villa is challenged by Stina Blackstenius of Arsenal during the Barclays Women’s Super League match between Aston Villa FC and Arsenal FC at Villa Park on April 30, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) " data-medium-file="https://aleagues.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/GettyImages-2212783494.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://aleagues.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/GettyImages-2212783494.jpg?w=1024" src="https://aleagues.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/GettyImages-2212783494.jpg" alt class="wp-image-323530" srcset="https://aleagues.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/GettyImages-2212783494.jpg 1024w, https://aleagues.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/GettyImages-2212783494.jpg?resize=300,202 300w, https://aleagues.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/GettyImages-2212783494.jpg?resize=768,518 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px">
Turner takes on Arsenal’s Stina Blackstenius in the Women’s Super League.
As the first new arrival at City this off-season, Turner has been described as a “huge asset” to the club by City football director Michael Petrillo.
“Danielle is a fantastic addition to our squad,” Petrillo said. “Her experience at the highest level, her leadership qualities, and her ability to play multiple defensive roles will be a huge asset for us.
“She’s shown her quality time and time again at the highest level and is someone who brings both footballing intelligence and strong character to the group.
“We’re excited to welcome her to Melbourne and look forward to the impact she’ll make both on and off the pitch.”