Lia O'Leary joins Sheffield United on loan

Sheffield United has today announced the loan signing of Bristol City’s Lia O'Leary for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.

The 19-year-old Irish winger makes the move from the Robins, where she has already made an impact in her opportunities this season. This season’s highlights include a full-90 in a draw vs. table-topping Birmingham City in the Subway League Cup and an assist in the league win against Ipswich. These build on several WSL2 appearances in the second half of 2024/25 following O’Leary’s arrival from Shamrock Rovers.

After conversations with new manager Stephen Healy, the move to Bramall Lane is expected to offer the versatile left-footer with a clear pathway to more game opportunities, as she looks to establish herself at the level. The move will also see Lia reunite with a familiar face in Blades forward Joy Ralph, with the two previously sharing the pitch for both Shamrock Rovers and the Republic of Ireland youth national teams.

On the international stage, Lia has captained the Republic of Ireland U19s and represented her country at the UEFA WU19 European Championship Finals in 2024, being Ireland’s first appearance at the tournament in a decade. Lia went on to score against Germany.

On the move, Lia said:

"I'm delighted. It's been a hectic few days and I'm just delighted I got it across the line.

I know Joy really well, we've been best friends for such a long time, I think it's such a small world to be reunited and she said the girls are lovely and it's a really good environment."

We’re excited to see Lia get started!