Rabjohn follows Barry in Sunderland loan move | OneFootball

Evie Rabjohn (Sunderland AFC)

Defender Evie Rabjohn has joined Sunderland on a season-long loan deal from Manchester United.

The 20-year-old began her career in Birmingham City’s academy before moving to Aston Villa, where she made her first-team debut against Sheffield United in November 2021.

She has represented England at both Under-17 and Under-19 level.

“I’m very excited to be here, to play in front of the fans, as I’ve heard the club has a massive support,” said Rabjohn in a statement. “I know the coaches here have worked with young players, and that’s perfect for me, and I know that I am where I need to be to continue improving.

“The first thing I spoke to Mel [Reay, head coach] about was the club values as that’s really important to me, and I’m just excited to get going.”

She added in an interview with the club website that she was keen to get back to full fitness following a lengthy injury lay-off, saying: “I’m looking forward to developing as a player, as I missed last season through injury, and a lot can be missed in a year.

“I think the speed of the game has increased, so I’m excited to get back into the flow of things and hopefully play every week.”

Evie Rabjohn: versatile defender

Rabjohn is the second United player to join Sunderland on loan this week, alongside forward Keira Barry, whose move was announced on Wednesday.

The Manchester United academy graduate has been with the Red Devils since the age of 10, and made her first-team debut in the 2022-23 season.

She spent 2023 on loan at Crystal Palace, where she helped them to promotion from what was then the Women’s Championship and is now WSL2.

“I’m really excited and I can’t wait to get going,” Barry said in a statement. “It’s really surprised me how inclusive everything is. It feels like one big team, and the facilities are really good, so I’m excited to use them. Mel’s ambitions for the club and how she wants to play suit me quite well  for what I want to achieve this season. She wants me to play attacking football, which is exactly how I want to play.”

“We’re really pleased to have Keira with us on loan,” said Reay. “She is a player who we’ve been monitoring for a while and we’re delighted to add more quality and depth to our front line.”

Reay added: “Evie is a versatile defender and we hope WSL2 will provide her with more valuable experience as well as help us achieve our goals for the season.”

Sunderland finished seventh in the second tier last season, equal on points with sixth-placed Bristol City, and nine points clear of eighth-placed Southampton.

Sunderland begin their WSL2 campaign against Sheffield United on Friday, 5th September, kicking off at Bramall Lane at 6pm.