Long‑term deals underline Crystal Palace’s ambition after promotion

Crystal Palace have secured long‑term contracts for three of their most‑used players – goalkeeper Shae Yañez, defender Hayley Nolan and attacker Ashleigh Weerden – extending each deal to the summer of 2028 as the Eagles celebrate a swift return to the top tier of English women’s football.

Shae Yañez, 29, joined Crystal Palace from Bristol City in the summer of 2024 and has been the club’s first‑choice goalkeeper, featuring in every Barclays WSL2 match last season. His new deal was the first of the three extensions announced on the Eagles’ website.

Republic of Ireland defender Hayley Nolan arrived at the Eagles in the summer of 2023 after departing London City Lionesses. She made 15 Barclays WSL2 appearances for the South Londoners’ side last season and now signs a contract running to 2028.

Dutch attacker Ashleigh Weerden, 27, came from Eurojackpot Vrouwen Eredivisie club Ajax in the summer of 2024. In her second season she featured in all 22 Barclays WSL2 fixtures, contributing seven goals and ten assists, and her extension secures her services through 2028.

Crystal Palace earned promotion back to the Barclays Women’s Super League at the first attempt after the 2025/2026 season, marking the club’s second top‑tier campaign in its history. Locking in the trio highlights Palace’s intent to build a squad capable of competing in the Women’s Super League.

The Eagles will look to the upcoming Women’s Super League campaign to test the stability provided by the long‑term contracts and to establish themselves among England’s elite clubs.