Molly Bartrip knows what it takes to reach a cup final. Now she's bringing that experience to a club on the rise.
Crystal Palace, newly promoted back to the top tier of English women's football, have signed the 30-year-old defender from Tottenham on a three-year deal. Bartrip spent five years at Spurs, making over 100 appearances and serving as vice-captain starting in 2023. She played in every single game during the 2024-25 season and was part of the Tottenham squad that reached the Women's FA Cup final for the first time in the club's history last year.
For Palace, based in Croydon just south of London, this signing signals serious ambition. The club earned promotion back to the Women's Super League (WSL) by finishing second in the second tier last season. Now they're loading up with experienced players who know what top-level competition feels like.
"She's a player I've admired for a long time," said Palace manager Jocelyn Brookes, according to the club's announcement. "She's a leader and someone who leads by example."
Bartrip isn't the only familiar face joining the Eagles. She reunites with Bethany England, the former Tottenham captain who also moved to Palace this summer. Together, the pair bring more than 200 appearances in the top flight. Palace also signed Lexi Lloyd-Smith, who scored more goals than anyone else in the second tier last season.
Crystal Palace played in the WSL for the first time back in 2021 but were relegated two years later. Getting back to the top flight is a milestone for a club still building its women's program. Now the question becomes whether experienced signings like Bartrip can help them stay there.
Bartrip, who represented England at youth international level, becomes Palace's seventh summer signing. Her debut in Palace colors could come as early as next month, when the new WSL season kicks off.