Newcastle United Target Leanne Kiernan from Liverpool
Newcastle United are closing on a statement signing, with the club in advanced talks to bring Republic of Ireland forward Leanne Kiernan in from Liverpool.
The deal would require a fee. Kiernan still has more than a year left on her Liverpool contract and only signed an extension in 2025, underlining how significant a capture this would be for a second-tier side with serious promotion ambitions.
Proven scorer on the move
At 27, Kiernan arrives with a body of work behind her, not potential on a promise. Five years at Liverpool have yielded 23 goals in 76 appearances, including a standout 2021-22 campaign when she drove the club to the WSL 2 title and finished as their top scorer with 14 goals. That season marked her out as one of the most dangerous forwards in the division, a constant outlet in behind and a ruthless finisher when chances came.
Her English journey started at West Ham, where she made over 40 WSL appearances after leaving Shelbourne. She adapted quickly to the physicality and tempo of the league, building a reputation as a hard-running, direct attacker who never shies away from defensive work.
On the international stage, Kiernan has already amassed 38 caps for the Republic of Ireland since her debut in 2017, a regular presence in squads across multiple qualifying campaigns.
Squeezed out at Liverpool
Despite that pedigree, her Liverpool career has stalled. Under Gareth Taylor she has struggled for minutes, starting just once in the WSL last season before heading out on loan to Nottingham Forest in January for the second half of the campaign.
Competition has only intensified. Liverpool have moved decisively in the market, adding Germany forward Vivien Endemann from Wolfsburg to their attacking options, a signing that pushes Kiernan further down the pecking order and makes a summer exit increasingly logical for all parties.
Newcastle’s intent is clear
That opens the door for Newcastle. Already busy this window with six new arrivals, they are building a squad designed not just to compete, but to win the WSL 2 title.
Kiernan fits that plan. She offers goals, experience at the top level, and the mentality of a player who has already dragged a team over the promotion line once before. For a club trying to turn momentum into elevation, she is exactly the kind of forward who can tilt tight games and define a season.
If Newcastle get this over the line, it will not just be another signing. It will be a clear signal that they intend to arrive in the top flight ready to stay.
