Portsmouth sign Arsenal defender Peacock on Academy Development Registration deal | OneFootball

Portsmouth have completed the signing of Arsenal defender Niamh Peacock on an Academy Development Registration deal.

Pompey announced the news via a post on their official club website earlier today.

The 17-year-old becomes the first player to sign on an Academy Development Registration deal which replaces the former dual-registration arrangement.

Peacock has spent almost a decade progressing through the Arsenal academy system. She is yet to feature for the senior team but has represented the club at Professional Game Academy League level. The player got some vital senior experience playing for FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division club Watford in the first half of the season.

On the international stage, Peacock has represented England at various youth levels up to and including Under-17 level.

After adding Peacock to his squad, Portsmouth boss Jay Sadler said “I’m pleased Niamh has joined the football club. She is a strong, ball-playing defender who’s gained valuable experience in a top environment at Arsenal.

“We knew we needed to strengthen defensively, and we appreciate Arsenal allowing us to play a role in the next phase of her development.”

Peacock could go straight into the Portsmouth squad for Sunday’s trip to Durham in Barclays WSL2.