Sunderland Ladies have signed Norwegian under-23 international Hilde Gunn Olsen, the club have confirmed.
The goalkeeper joins the Black Cats from four-time Norwegian champions Røa and admitted to her new club's website that she is "excited...to play in the top flight of women's football in England" with Sunderland.
Olsen excited about new chapter
Olsen admitted that she is "highly impressed" with the club's "incredible facilities" and what they have "to offer," which includes "the opportunity of training full time" - something she is "looking forward to" already.
The 23-year-old will not be granted a starting berth on Wearside though, and is relishing the chance to compete for that number one spot with Rachael Laws, who has been the team's first choice 'keeper in past seasons, justifying this too with some tremendous performances.
Olsen believes that she can learn from the highly talented Laws though and is certain that competition will help her "improve." The stopper recognises that "competition means you have to be better" which, in turn, "helps you move forward and improve," making you "a better player."
Carlton Fairweather, manager of Sunderland Ladies, had plenty of positives to say about his new signing, calling Olsen an "excellent" addition to the squad and one he is "delighted" with. He is excited about how she will "[increase] competition within the squad" and is hoping that this can help the team continued their "solid start to the season."
Olsen is the club's second signing of the transfer window, which closes today, following the arrival of Republic of Ireland international and FIFA Puskas Award nominee, Stephanie Roche.
FAWSL season to resume this weekend
Following a two-month break for the FIFA Women's World Cup, the FAWSL resumes this weekend, with Sunderland taking on Notts County this Sunday as they return to league action.
Speaking to the club's website, Fairweather believes that the side have begun their campaign well and admits that the team "are very much looking forward to getting started again this weekend."