Ashleigh Plumptre Secures New Two-Year Al-Ittihad Deal, extending her stay until 2028 while continuing recovery from a foot injury

Ashleigh Plumptre, defender for the Super Falcons of Nigeria and Al-Ittihad Ladies, has signed a new two-year contract with the Saudi Women’s Premier League club, extending her stay until 2028.

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The contract renewal comes as the 28-year-old continues her rehabilitation from a foot injury that has kept her out of action since March.

Despite her prolonged absence, Al-Ittihad have reaffirmed their confidence in the experienced defender by securing her long-term future at the club.

The agreement marks another important milestone in the defender’s career after she joined the Saudi side on a free transfer in September 2023 following the expiration of her contract with Leicester City.

Since arriving at Al-Ittihad, Plumptre has become one of the club’s standout performers.

The versatile defender has contributed 15 goals and 19 assists in 41 appearances, underlining her influence at both ends of the pitch.

A significant secondary development is that the contract extension comes while Plumptre is still sidelined with injury.

The club’s decision to renew her deal during her recovery reflects its confidence in her ability to return to full fitness and continue playing a leading role in the squad.

The injury also ruled Plumptre out of Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with the Super Falcons opting to prioritise her long-term recovery rather than risk an early return to competitive action.

Before her injury setback, Plumptre remained a key figure for Nigeria and was part of the Super Falcons squad that captured a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in 2024 after a memorable comeback victory over hosts Morocco.

Her new contract provides stability for both player and club as Al-Ittihad continue to strengthen their ambitions in the rapidly growing Saudi Women’s Premier League.

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For Plumptre, the extension also offers additional time to complete her recovery before returning to domestic competition and challenging for a place in future Super Falcons squads.