Former Liverpool Women defender Rhiannon Roberts will join Spanish side Real Betis upon the expiry of her contract at the end of the month.
The 32-year-old joined the club in 2018 and spent five seasons with the Reds, operating in a number of positions including midfield, right-back and centre-back. She was part of Matt Beard's promotion-winning team in the 2021/22 season and helped the club secure their top-flight status with a seventh-placed finish last term.
In total, Roberts made just shy of a century of appearances for Liverpool and has over 50 caps for the Wales national team. Following her final game for the club against Manchester United last month, she gave an emotional farewell: “I’ve been here for quite a while and I’m going to miss the girls, the fans, everyone so, so much, but it has been an absolute pleasure to play for this club.
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“I’ve played under four different managers, it has been up and down but I’ve loved every single minute of it. I will take with me some great memories. It was devastating to get relegated but I wanted to stay and give it a go in the FA Women’s Championship and help this club get back to where we belong and I’ve done that with my teammates."
Roberts will sign a two-year deal with Betis, set to run until the summer of 2025. They compete in Liga F in Spain and finished 12th last season. Ahead of her move to Spain, she shared on social media: "Absolutely delighted to announce that I have signed for Real Betis. Joining such a prestigious and historic club recognised on the world stage is a proud moment.
"With the club's vision and ambitions moving forward, along with the new training complex, I couldn't wait to put pen to paper. This move has come at a great stage of my career and I know this will not just benefit my club football, but also my international football too."
Roberts was among a number of key names confirmed to be leaving this summer, with long-term servant Leighanne Robe, as well as Megan Campbell, Charlotte Clarke, Ashley Hodson, Carla Humphrey and Rylee Foster also set to depart. Roberts isn't the first Red to join Betis, as forward Rinsola Babajide completed a move last January, although she recently announced she will leave the Spanish club.
