Crystal Palace sign top scorer Lexi Lloyd-Smith ahead of Women's Super League return

Crystal Palace have signed England Under-23 striker Lexi Lloyd-Smith on a three-year contract. The 23-year-old joins the club as they prepare for their return to the Women’s Super League.

Lloyd-Smith arrives after a standout campaign in the second tier, where she finished as the WSL2 top scorer. She netted 23 goals in 48 appearances for Bristol City last season.

This marks the first time the forward will play in the top flight of English women’s football. Her arrival underscores Crystal Palace’s strategic push to build a competitive squad capable of thriving after finishing as runners-up in the second tier last year to secure promotion.

Palace manager Jo Potter highlighted the player’s proven track record in the lower division. Potter described Lloyd-Smith as a "real talent" who "showed us all what she could do in the WSL2 last season".

For Lloyd-Smith, the move represents a homecoming to south London. She expressed pride in representing her local area, stating, "I know I'm going to be playing for something more now – my roots, where I'm from."

She further emphasized her local pride, noting, "I'll always be proud to be from Peckham. It means everything." This personal connection aligns with the club’s efforts to deepen community ties alongside its sporting ambitions.

The signing is part of a broader summer recruitment drive by the Eagles. It follows the high-profile acquisition of Lionesses striker Bethany England earlier this week.

These consecutive additions signal a clear commitment from the club’s leadership to ensure they are competitive upon their WSL return. By securing both emerging domestic talent and established international experience, Crystal Palace is laying the necessary groundwork for long-term stability in the top division.