Watford sign Manchester United keeper Middleton-Patel on loan | OneFootball

Watford have completed the signing of goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel on a season-long loan deal from Manchester United.

WSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official club press release from The Golden Girls this morning.

The 21-year-old stopper re-joins Watford for a second loan spell. Middleton-Patel initially turned out for The Golden Girls in the second half of the 2023/2024 season. The player made six appearances for Watford in which she kept two clean sheets. Middleton-Patel was unable to help Watford retain their Barclays WSL2 status.

With Watford having now returned to Barclays WSL2, Middleton-Patel will experience a second loan spell with the club. She will be hoping to help The Golden Girls to enjoy a successful campaign back in the second tier.

Middleton-Patel is a product of the academy system at Manchester United. She signed her first professional contract with the club in 2023. Middleton-Patel has largely gained experience out on loan in recent seasons. In addition to her first loan spell at Watford, Middleton-Patel has also turned out for Blackburn Rovers, Leicester City and Coventry United.

On the international stage, Middleton-Patel has been capped by Wales on 12 occasions at senior level.

Middleton-Patel is Watford’s 11th signing of the summer transfer window.