Bournemouth have signed 19-year-old fullback Issy Watts from Southampton. The 17-appearance defender joins the Cherries after her contract expired, adding depth to the squad as they sit 11th in the Premier League.
New Signing
Watts signed her first professional contract with Southampton last summer and made 17 senior appearances before leaving the club. She now joins Bournemouth’s retained players for the upcoming season. Head of women’s football Bruce Suraci said, “We’re really pleased to get Issy’s signing across the line and excited to see how she develops here.”
Background
The 19-year-old fullback has a strong athletic profile and can attack and defend in 1-v-1 situations. Watts was born in 2005 and has already gained experience in the Premier League, making her debut for Southampton’s senior side in the 2025-26 season.
Impact for Bournemouth
Bournemouth’s women’s team are looking to build on recent form, having drawn their last four games, including a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest on 2026-05-24. The Cherries currently have 45 points from 32 games with a recent form of WDDDD. Watts said, “I am delighted to join Bournemouth, my local team, and can’t wait to get myself out there and show who I am as a player.”
The signing is seen as a significant boost for the Cherries, who are hoping to climb the table in the final stretch of the season. With Watts’ ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, the club expects to strengthen its fullback options and add versatility to the squad.
What Comes Next
Watts will train with the ten retained players and will be available for selection in the 2026-27 campaign. The club will look to integrate her into the team’s tactical setup ahead of the final fixtures. Bournemouth’s management remains optimistic that the new signing will help the club push for a higher finish in the Premier League.
