Leicester sign New Zealand international CJ Bott on free transfer

Leicester have announced the signing of New Zealand international CJ Bott on a free transfer.

The left back had been without a club following the 2021 expiration of her contract at Toppserien outfit Valerenga. She has signed a permanent contract at the club, the length of which has not been disclosed.

Subject to league approval, Bott could be available for Leicester's WSL clash with Manchester United on Saturday. She will wear the number four shirt for the Foxes.

“I’ve definitely wanted to play in England for a long time, so this seemed like a natural move for both me and for the club," Bott told LCFC.com.

“I feel like it’s definitely going to be a good fit. It’s an aggressive league, which suits my playing style really well. It’s attacking-minded, which I really love, and it’s going to challenge me a lot but I think I have a lot to offer as well."

The 26-year-old has enjoyed a diverse career across Australasia and Europe. She played for Tawa AFC, Lynn-Avon United and Waterside Karori in her native New Zealand, before moving to Germany in 2017 to join Bundesliga outfit FF USV Jena.

Bott signied for Swedish side Vittsjo GIK the following year. In 2020 she moved to Norwegian outfit Valerenga - her most recent club prior to signing for Leicester.

Bott brings with her a wealth of international experience, having been capped 31 times for New Zealand since making her senior debut as an 18-year-old in 2014. She featured for her country at both the 2015 and 2019 World Cup.

The New Zealand international joins a Leicester side battling to avoid the drop in the WSL. The Foxes have enjoyed an impressive upturn in fortunes since the appointment of Lydia Bedford, and currently sit eight points clear of bottom club Birmingham.