by Inter Women announced the signing earlier today, confirming her return to Serie A. The deal will see the Maltese international play with the side until June 2026.
The Return to Serie A
The Nerazzuri confirmed the arrival of Maltese international forward to the club earlier today, following weeks of anticipation. Despite just being nineteen years old, the forward brings some experience into the side following a previous two-year stint with Sassuolo. Joining at sixteen years old, she went into double figures in goals following thirty-six appearances for the side. She makes the return to Serie A following a season with Orlando Pride in the NWSL.
The nineteen-year-old has been touted as one of the most promising players of her generation, alongside the likes of Melchie Dumornay (Olympique Lyonnais), Mary Fowler (Manchester City) and Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid). With an eye for goal, plenty of dribbling ability and pace, Haley Bugeja also brings a strong work ethic to the side as Inter strive achieve glory in Serie A. The Nerazzuri finished fifth in the league last season, under the leadership of former Italian international Rita Guarino.
Who Will She Be Joining?
Last year the side boasted two players who formed part of last year’s team of the season in Serie A, in goalkeeper Francesca Durante and loanee striker Tabitha Chawinga, where the latter topped the scorers list with twenty-six goals. Amongst the permanent members of the squad are also Danish international and EURO Championship runner-up Frederikke Thogersen who signed in January, as well as Inter academy graduate and promising defender Chiara Robustellini. This beside a number of natives such as Elisa Polli, Lisa Alborghetti, and Flaminia Simonetti, amongst others.
Haley Bugeja’s arrival is not the first in this window for the Nerazzuri, following the earlier announcement of experienced Danish midfielder Sofie Junge Pedersen. She makes the switch from Italian rivals Juventus.
The signings mark the beginning of the incoming announcements, following four departures announced by the club in June, two of which were retirements. Japanese international Mana Mihashi will be retiring from football and moving into coaching. She also had a spell with Sassuolo during Haley Bugeja’s time with the club. Dutch international and EURO Championship winner Stephanie Van De Gragt has also announced that she will be hanging up her boots. She is currently in Australia preparing for a final dance with the national team in the Women’s World Cup. Meanwhile, Anna Bjork Kristjansdottir and Fanny Lang will be moving on from the club.
Photo: Inter Women
