Midfield Reinforcement for Villa

Aston Villa Women have completed the permanent acquisition of Jill Baijings from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, finalizing a deal that sees the 24-year-old Netherlands international commit her future to the Birmingham-based club. The transfer fee remains undisclosed.

Career Trajectory & Loan Impact

Baijings initially joined Villa on loan during the 2023-24 season, making 15 competitive appearances and netting one goal. Her technical versatility in central midfield proved crucial during Villa's mid-table WSL campaign, demonstrating composure in both defensive transitions and attacking build-ups.

International Pedigree

With 8 senior caps for the Netherlands, Baijings brings Oranje pedigree to Villa Park. Though omitted from recent Euro 2025 qualifiers, her experience at top European clubs including:

• SC Heerenveen (2016-2020)
• SGS Essen (2020-2022)
• Bayer Leverkusen (2022-2023)
• Bayern Munich (2023-2024)

positions her as a valuable tactical asset for manager Carla Ward.

Summer Transfer Strategy

This marks Villa's third major signing in the current window:

1. Lynn Wilms (Dutch defender from VfL Wolfsburg)
2. Ellie Roebuck (England goalkeeper from Manchester City)
3. Jill Baijings (Bayern Munich)

The club appears focused on blending youth internationals with proven continental talent to improve upon last season's 7th-place WSL finish.

Tactical Implications

Analysts suggest Baijings' permanent signing allows Ward to implement:

• Rotational midfield partnerships
• High-pressing systems
• Improved ball retention statistics

Her familiarity with Villa's existing tactical framework should ensure immediate squad integration ahead of September's season opener.

Stay updated with BBC Sport's dedicated Women's Super League hub for all transfer developments.