🚜 𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗪𝗢𝗢𝗣! 🇮𝘁 Ipswich Town Land Lazio Winger Lucy Ashworth-Clifford in Major Transfer Coup! 🏟️🔵
By 247sportcity | Tuesday, January 20, 2026
IPSWICH, SUFFOLK – Ipswich Town Women have sent a clear message to the rest of the Barclays Women’s Super League 2 by completing the marquee signing of winger Lucy Ashworth-Clifford. The 26-year-old joins the Tractor Girls on a permanent contract following her departure from Italian Serie A side SS Lazio.
The move represents a significant piece of business for the Suffolk club, who reportedly had to fend off “serious competition” from several high-profile suitors to secure the signature of the Wigan-born attacker.
A Proven Winner: From Glasgow to Rome
Ashworth-Clifford arrives at Portman Road with an elite pedigree. She spent three highly successful years at Celtic, where she became a cornerstone of the side that broke Glasgow City’s dominance. During her time in Scotland, she helped the Hoops secure:
- The Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) Title
- The Scottish Cup
- Champions League Experience
In 59 appearances for Celtic, she racked up 12 goals and 16 assists, earning a reputation as one of the most clinical crossers in the game. This form earned her a dream move to Lazio in the summer of 2025. However, after six months in the Italian capital, Ashworth-Clifford has chosen to return to England to fuel Ipswich’s second-tier ambitions.
The “Direct Threat” Ipswich Need
Standing as the club’s second signing in just 48 hours—following the arrival of midfielder Colette Cavanagh—Ashworth-Clifford is expected to go straight into the starting XI.
“I would describe myself as a forward-thinking, direct winger who has a good eye for goal,” she told the club’s official website. “I’ve played in the second tier before for Lewes and I know it’s improved a lot. It’s a really exciting league and I’m looking forward to getting started.”
Technical Director Sean Burt, who was recently appointed to oversee the club’s football operations, hailed the signing as a “standout” addition. “Her quality was recognised with her move to Lazio,” Burt noted. “We are thrilled to welcome a player with her experience and ambition.”
[Table: Lucy Ashworth-Clifford – Career Snapshot]
| Period | Club | League | Key Achievement |
| 2021–2022 | Lewes | WSL 2 | Established as a top-tier prospect |
| 2022–2025 | Celtic | SWPL | League Title & Scottish Cup Winner |
| 2025–2026 | Lazio | Serie A | Top-flight Italian experience |
| 2026–Present | Ipswich Town | WSL 2 | Permanent signing (No. 25 shirt) |
The Survival Battle: Why the Timing Matters
The signing comes at a pivotal moment for Ipswich Town Women. Currently sitting 12th in the table and fighting to avoid relegation, the Tractor Girls have struggled for goals this season, scoring just nine times in 11 games.
The addition of Ashworth-Clifford, who will wear the number 25 shirt, provides the “top-flight quality” needed to turn narrow defeats into points. With her ability to play as a traditional winger or a modern inside-forward, she offers manager Joe Sheehan the tactical flexibility required for the high-pressure run-in.
Final Verdict: A Statement of Intent
By luring a player directly from the Italian top flight, Ipswich have proven that their project remains attractive despite their current league position. If Ashworth-Clifford can replicate the form that made her a legend at Celtic Park, the Tractor Girls may have just secured the most important signing in their WSL 2 history.