Kirsty Hanson is set to swap Aston Villa for Tottenham after an outstanding Women's Super League campaign that established the Scotland international as one of the division's most dangerous forwards. Spurs have had a bid accepted by Villa and the 28-year-old is now finalising personal terms ahead of a move that is expected to be completed this month.

A Season That Demanded Attention

Hanson finished the WSL campaign as the third-highest goalscorer in the division, netting 12 times in 22 appearances. Only Manchester City's Khadija Shaw and Arsenal's Alessia Russo outscored her — a statistic that tells its own story about the level she reached this season. Villa recognised that contribution by naming her their player of the year, and the wider game followed suit when she claimed the WSL Football goal-of-the-season award for her strike against West Ham.

It is the kind of form that was always going to attract attention, and BBC Sport reported as far back as May that Tottenham were in pursuit. Those noises out of north London have now hardened into something concrete, with a fee agreed and the player herself understood to be keen on the switch.

A Reunion With Martin Ho

The move carries a personal dimension for Hanson. Tottenham manager Martin Ho worked with her during his time as assistant coach at Manchester United, so there is an existing relationship to build on. Ho took charge of Spurs ahead of the 2025-26 season after arriving from SK Brann and guided the club to a fifth-place finish in the WSL — a solid foundation for what the club clearly intends to be a more ambitious chapter.

Tottenham have already moved decisively in the transfer window, bringing in West Ham forward Shekiera Martinez and Dutch defender Caitlin Dijkstra before Hanson's arrival. Adding the WSL's third top scorer to that group signals genuine intent as Spurs look to push further up the table.

What Aston Villa Lose

For Villa, the departure stings. Hanson had a year remaining on her contract, yet the club have opted to cash in rather than risk losing her for nothing next summer. The fee Spurs have agreed remains undisclosed, though the market will take note of what a player of her output commands.

Across her time at Villa Park she was the driving force in attack, and replacing 12 WSL goals — along with the creativity and big-moment quality she brought — will be the major item on Villa's summer agenda. Hanson herself leaves with her reputation significantly enhanced, having proved she can compete with the best the division has to offer.

International Pedigree

On the international stage, Hanson has scored five goals in 44 appearances for Scotland, making her one of the more experienced players in the national set-up. That blend of club consistency and international know-how should make her an important figure in Ho's Tottenham plans as the club targets European football in the seasons ahead.

The paperwork is not yet signed, but the shape of this deal is clear. Hanson is on her way to Spurs, and the WSL's transfer window has its first genuinely significant piece of business.

Frequently asked

Why is Kirsty Hanson leaving Aston Villa?
Hanson had one year left on her Villa contract and Tottenham made a bid that Villa accepted. The move allows Villa to receive a fee rather than risk losing her for free next summer, while Hanson steps up to a club with bigger ambitions.
How many goals did Kirsty Hanson score in the WSL this season?
Hanson scored 12 goals in 22 WSL appearances, making her the division's third-highest goalscorer behind Khadija Shaw and Alessia Russo.
Who is Tottenham Women's manager and how does he know Hanson?
Martin Ho is the Spurs Women's head coach. He previously worked with Hanson at Manchester United as assistant coach, so the two have an established working relationship heading into this move.