Leah Galton joins Burnley Women after Manchester United departure | OneFootball

Burnly Women – Leah Galton -15/09/2026

Burnley Women have announced the signing of experienced winger Leah Galton on a one-year contract, with the club holding an option to extend her deal by a further 12 months.

The 32-year-old arrives at Burnley after leaving Manchester United at the end of last season, having established herself as one of the club’s most recognisable players since joining their inaugural women’s squad in 2018.

Galton departed Manchester United as the club’s second-highest goalscorer of all time, bringing an end to an eight-year spell at the Women’s Super League side.

Galton excited by Burnley move

Galton admitted she was unsure what her next move would be before Burnley made their approach.

“It’s very, very exciting actually,” Galton said after completing her move.

“I wasn’t too sure what was going to happen, but Burnley have come in for me and I absolutely said yes, so I’m excited to get started.”

The winger also praised Burnley’s facilities and the welcome she has received since arriving at the club.

“The training ground is gorgeous – I love it! It’s exactly what you need and it’s nice being integrated with everybody, which makes it feel homely.”

Galton has also been working to maintain her fitness during pre-season but says she still has some work to do before she is ready to return to competitive action.

“I’ve done as much as I could to keep fit during pre-season, and I’ve got a little bit of work to do before I’m fully ready to be back on the pitch,” she added.

“You’ll hopefully see me soon, as I’ve missed playing so much.”

From Harrogate to Manchester United

Born in Harrogate, Galton began her footballing journey in the Leeds United academy before moving to the United States in 2012 to play college football for Hofstra Pride.

She later spent a season in the NWSL with Sky Blue FC before briefly playing in Germany with Bayern Munich.

Galton returned to England and became part of Manchester United Women’s inaugural squad in 2018, alongside current Burnley teammate Naomi Hartley.

She would go on to spend the next eight years at United, becoming an important figure for the club and making more than 100 Women’s Super League appearances.

Across 111 WSL appearances, Galton scored 35 goals, while adding nine more goals in cup competitions.

FA Cup winner with Manchester United

Galton was part of the Manchester United side that lifted the Adobe Women’s FA Cup in the 2023/24 season, alongside Rachel Williams.

She also represented United in the UEFA Women’s Champions League during her time at the club.

Her departure brings the curtain down on a significant chapter of her career, with Galton now taking on a new challenge in the second tier of English women’s football.

Galton returns to England’s second tier

The move to Burnley sees Galton return to the second tier, a level she knows well having previously won it in 2019.

She will now work under Burnley manager Jackie Bachteler as the Clarets look to benefit from her experience and attacking quality.

Galton will wear the number 44 shirt at Burnley.

She could make her debut for the Clarets on Friday night when Burnley travel to face Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The experienced winger will now be hoping to make a quick impact as she begins the next chapter of her career with Burnley Women.

Burnly Women – Leah Galton -15/09/2026