- Aston Villa have announced the signing of Mia McAulay from Rangers
- This comes after the club earlier announced the departure of Kirsty Hanson to Tottenham
- McAulay joins on a free transfer
Aston Villa have officially completed the signing of highly rated Scottish international forward Mia McAulay from Rangers.
The 19-year-old arrives at the West Midlands club following the expiration of her contract in Glasgow. She steps up into the Barclays Women’s Super League as Villa’s first signing of the summer transfer window.
McAulay is widely regarded as one of Scotland’s brightest attacking talents. A graduate of the Rangers academy system, she made her senior debut for her childhood club at the tender age of just 16.
Despite her youth, she has amassed over 100 senior appearances for Rangers, playing a crucial role in their 2024/25 SWPL Cup and Scottish Cup wins. Her spectacular breakout performances earned her the SWPL Young Player of the Year award for the 2023/24 season, and she has already tasted European competition through the Women’s Champions League.
McAulay also has international experience, having made her Scotland debut in May 2025. She has since earned five caps. Last season, she made 32 appearances in all competitions, scoring 13 goals and registering seven assists.
Leaving her childhood team was not easy. Reflecting on the move via Rangers’ Official Website, McAulay admitted: “This is the hardest decision I have ever had to make, to leave the club I love.”
Softens Kirsty Hanson’s departure?
McAulay’s arrival coincided with a major shakeup in the Villans’ frontline. Earlier today, Villa’s top scorer from last season, Kirsty Hanson, departed the club to join WSL rivals Tottenham.
While losing Hanson is an undeniable blow to head coach Natalia Arroyo’s squad, McAulay serves as an incredibly exciting prospect to partly replace Hanson’s quality.
The teenager is highly versatile, capable of playing out wide on either flank or stepping into a more central attacking role when required.
Building for the future
Villa’s management has made it clear that this transfer is about long-term ambition rather than a short-term fix. Speaking to the Official Club Website, Villa’s Director of Women’s Football, Marisa Ewers, shared her excitement about the capture:
“Mia is an exciting young attacking player with lots of potential. She is part of what we are looking to build at this club in the long term.”
The transition to the WSL represents a massive step up in intensity and competition, but McAulay’s track record suggests she has the temperament to thrive.
ReadAstonVilla verdict
While the sudden loss of Kirsty Hanson leaves a significant void in the squad’s attacking output, securing an exciting young talent provides an immediate boost to the Villa’s frontline.
In her short career so far, McAulay has shown her quality already, ensuring she can make a seamless transition into the WSL.
Villa supporters will be hoping this is the start of a busy summer window, but they can be pleased with the first one through the door, possessing extreme talent.
