Man Utd lose Batlle as Ona seals Barca return

Man Utd lose Batlle as Ona seals Barca return

Manchester United have confirmed that defender Ona Batlle will sign for Barcelona when her contract expires at the end of the month. 

The 24-year-old Spain international arrived in the summer of 2020 after leaving Levante and went on to make 77 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring three goals. 

She was included in the Professional Footballers' Association WSL team of the year for 2022-23 after an impressive campaign in which she helped United achieve their best finish in the division of second and reach the FA Cup final. 

Batlle, who came through the Barcelona youth set-up and played for their B team, is returning to the recently crowned European champions on a deal to 2026. 

She played for Spain at Euro 2022 in England and has been included in the provisional squad for this summer's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The news comes three days on from the club announcing England forward Alessia Russo, also on a contract that is coming to an end this month, is to depart the club.

Arsenal, who made a world-record bid to land the European Championship-winning Lioness in January, are set to snap her up on a free.

Russo, 24, tweeted: "It’s been the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make. "Manchester United Women, thank you for everything."

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