Ireland defender Jessie Stapleton departs West Ham for Leicester City

Leicester City sign Ireland women’s international Jessie Stapleton on a three-year contract. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile.

Leicester City have snapped up Ireland women’s international Jessie Stapleton on a three-year contract.

The 20-times capped defender had a season left on her deal at West Ham United but has opted to be part of a rebuilt Foxes squad chasing an immediate return to the Women’s Super League.

Their five-year spell in the top-flight was ended in May by a playoff defeat to Charlton Athletic, prompting manager Rick Passmoor to instigate an overhaul in personnel for their promotion tilt.

Stapleton was recruited by the Hammers in July 2023, having helping Shelbourne win a domestic double, but spent most of her contract on loan at WSL 2 clubs Reading, Sunderland and, most recently, Nottingham Forest.

The 21-year-old’s move continues a busy summer transfer window for Irish players, led by world-class pair Katie McCabe and Denise O’Sullivan.

McCabe has begun pre-season training with Chelsea after moving from London rivals Arsenal, while O’Sullivan’s short stint at Liverpool was recently ended by returning to the USA to sign for Gotham FC.

Ireland are next in action on October 9 when they make the long trip to Kazakhstan for the first leg of the World Cup playoff semi-final.

The second leg is scheduled for four days later at Pairc Uí Chaoímh, with the winner progressing to meet either Belgium or Poland in the final for a place at next year’s World Cup in Brazil.