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Friday, September 5, 2025

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Fisk appointed new Liverpool captain

Grace Fisk has been appointed the new permanent captain of Liverpool FC Women.

The defender takes the armband for Gareth Taylor’s side ahead of the beginning of the 2025-26 Barclays Women’s Super League.

Fisk replaces Niamh Fahey in the role following the latter’s retirement at the end of the previous season.

“It is such a huge honour for me to be appointed as club captain here at Liverpool. It was an amazing feeling when I was asked to take the armband,” Fisk told Liverpoolfc.com.

“Obviously I've not known Gaz that long, so for him to select me means a lot. It's nothing I would ever have expected or was even thinking about.

“I don't think I could ever fill Niamh Fahey’s shoes, but I will try to lead the team in my own way, be there for everyone and show our supporters how much this means to me.

“We have such a strong and committed group of staff and players, including the senior leadership group, and I’m really looking forward to the journey ahead together.”

For Fisk, the upcoming new campaign will be a third since she joined the Reds from West Ham United during the summer of 2023. The No.4 has made 51 appearances for the club to date, scoring two goals, and was named Players’ Player of the Year in her first season on Merseyside. She signed a new contract to remain at Liverpool in April of this year, ahead of Taylor taking charge as head coach.

Fisk will skipper the Reds for the first time in a competitive match since her appointment when they kick off the WSL campaign by hosting Everton at Anfield this Sunday.

Taylor said: “I’ve been impressed with a number of the players but Grace was so high on that list because she embodies high levels of professionalism, she’s empathetic with the rest of the group and she drives standards and I think that’s what you look for in a captain.

“We had many examples of that and we’ve tried to wrap a bit of support around her in the leadership group and those three players will bring different things as well. And we have other leaders within the dressing room as well, experienced players.

“Grace has been great in welcoming us, helping drive standards in the group and using the capabilities we have, especially when we work day to day in this fantastic environment at Melwood which we’re really thankful for.”

Liverpool have meanwhile made a significant statement of intent ahead of the 2025-26 WSL season, securing four high profile signings to strengthen their squad under new head coach Gareth Taylor. The Reds have welcomed striker Beata Olsson, midfielder Emilia Szymczak, defender Alejandra Bernabé, and full back Risa Shimizu.

Swedish striker Beata Olsson, 24, arrives from Kristianstads DFF as Liverpool’s first signing since Taylor’s appointment last month. The Sweden U23 international, who scored nine goals in 15 matches this term, signed her contract at the AXA Melwood Training Centre after completing her medical. Olsson told Liverpoolfc.com: “It means so much to me. This is such an historic football club and the best league in the world and I think it’s a great step for me and I’m so excited to be here. I’ve always wanted to play in England and to play for a club like Liverpool is just a dream.” With experience at Enkoping, Uppsala, Florida Gators, Florida State Seminoles—where she won back-to-back ACC titles and two national championships—and AIK, Olsson is poised to shine. She added: “I love scoring goals and getting in the right places to do that. I see where the ball is coming next and I always work really hard to get my goal.”

Poland international midfielder Emilia Szymczak, 19, has joined on a season-long loan from FC Barcelona. The deadline-day signing, who finalised her move at Melwood, told Liverpoolfc.com: “It’s amazing to be here. This is a big club and I’m so happy to be a part of it. I just felt Liverpool has a bright future and I know the WSL and this league is so strong, and I know I can develop more as a player here.” Primarily featuring for Barcelona’s B team since 2023, Szymczak has also appeared in the Copa Catalunya and pre-season for the senior side. With 14 caps for Poland, including Euro 2025 and UEFA Nations League appearances, she brings versatility. She told supporters: “I can’t wait to see all of you on Sunday and at all of the games. I just want to assure you that I will give everything for the group and everything to make you happy.”

Spanish left back Alejandra Bernabé, 23, has made a permanent return to Liverpool from Chelsea after a successful loan spell last season. Bernabé, who won a penalty in Liverpool’s historic 3-1 WSL victory over Manchester United at Anfield in March, told Liverpoolfc.com: “Last season my time here was amazing so I’m so happy to be back. I think here I have an opportunity to be my best.” Having played for Atlético Madrid and Real Sociedad, she praised the club’s family atmosphere: “It is so special to be a part of this dressing room. I felt it from the first time I came here and that is so important in helping you improve and the sense of togetherness on the pitch.” Reflecting on her Anfield debut, she said: “It was like a dream come true. I never thought that that could happen in my first game at Anfield and hopefully there will be many more good memories to come!” Despite an injury last season, Bernabé added: “I’m nearly ready to go back to the pitch and I’m feeling good.”

Japanese full back Risa Shimizu, 29, has signed on loan from Manchester City for the 2025-26 season, reuniting with Taylor, who previously coached her at City. The experienced right back, who debuted for Japan in 2017 and has played in two World Cups and two Olympics, told Liverpoolfc.com: “I’m excited to join this club and I’m looking forward to being on the pitch for this club as well. I know what type of football the coach plays from our time together at City so I thought it was the right fit for me.” Shimizu, a five-time Nadeshiko League winner with Tokyo Verdy Beleza and a regular in the division’s best XI from 2017 to 2020, played every minute of the 2023-24 WSL season at West Ham. After an ACL injury at the 2024 Olympics sidelined her at City, she said: “Because I was injured obviously I haven’t played for a year but when I stood back on the pitch during a training match at City I felt that enjoyment again. So hopefully I can feel that enjoyment at Liverpool now and hopefully contribute to the club.”

With these signings, Liverpool are poised for an exciting WSL campaign, blending youth, experience, and international pedigree as they aim to climb the table under Taylor’s leadership.