Salmon ready to leap back into WSL action after rejoining Villa

Ebony Salmon has returned to the Women's Super League by rejoining Aston Villa from Houston Dash.

Salmon, 22, left the club in July 2018 but the Villans have boosted Carla Ward's squad ahead of the new season by handing the England international a three-year deal. 

The forward, capped four times by the Lionesses, left the Midlands for Manchester United before enjoying spells at Sheffield United, Bristol City and Racing Louisville.

She arrives at Villa in good form having scored 11 times for Houston last season to help the team qualify for the National Women's Soccer League play-offs.

Salmon said: "I've really enjoyed my time in Houston, a city and a club that gave me an opportunity to do what I enjoy most. 

"To everyone involved with the club, thank you for making me feel so welcome from the beginning and for the continued support throughout my time."

Villa boss Ward added: "Ebony is someone I've worked with before and is someone with huge potential.

"She's got pace, power and the ability to change a game. 

"She's a player who will add even more competition to our frontline and will be a great addition to the group."

With Salmon in their ranks, Villa will look to build on an impressive 2022-23 campaign, when they finished fifth on 37 points.

The Villans also boasted the division's leading scorer in Lionesses star Rachel Daly — who was recently named WSL Player of the Season — with 22 goals from 22 appearances.

Ward's side kick off the new campaign at home to last season's runners-up United on October 1 before making the trip to Liverpool the following weekend.