Inside WSL2: Jess Simpson Player Profile

20 year old defender, Jess Simpson, has joined Southampton on loan ahead of the 25/26 WSL2 season.

The loanee, who joined from Manchester United, has represented sides in both the Women’s

Super League and Women’s Super League 2, while also having eleven international caps.

Club Career:

Simpson has previously completed two previous loan spells, both at Bristol City, following her

youth career with the Red Devils.

While Simpsons original loan with the Robins, during the 23/24 season, was following Bristol’s promotion to the Women’s Super League.

Simpson suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, during league cup fixture against Southampton, forcing Simpson to return to Manchester United.

Despite going on to sign a contract extension with the Reds in January 2025, until 2027, Simpson was sent on loan to Bristol City, who at the time were in the Championship (WSL2).

Simpson went on to help the team reach 6th in the league.

International Career:

While Simpson has only gained a total of eleven international youth caps, her future is looking bright on the international stage.

During her U19 debut, which took place at the 2023 U19 Championship qualification, Simpson scored her debut youth international goal.

Not only marking a significant moment in her career, but also a crucial goal for England as

Simpson scored the only goal, for the young lionesses, to make up the 1-1 scoreline against

Denmark.

Simpson then went on to make her U23 debut, in December 2024, during a 2-1 defeat to Sweden, in a European competition.

Recent Performances:

Simpson made her return from her loan spell with Bristol ahead of the World Seven’s tournament where she went on to score, during the final group match, against PSG.

The fast-paced tournament not only allowed Simpson to gain more and new experience in

football but also in different aspects of the games, such as her relationships with her fellow

teammates and playing different styles of football.

Following Simpson’s loan move to Southampton, Simpson made her debut in a pre-season fixture against AFC Wimbledon.

The pre-season fixture, saw Simpson be placed in the first half XI.

Simpson alongside fellow summer signings, Sena, Harries and Ferguson, went on to score during their debut for the Saints.

After a strong start in white and red, the season at Southampton in the WSL2 is looking bright for Simpson.

Simpson at Southampton:

Simpson joins Simon Parkers and his current 19 player squad.

Simpson currently joins the following players to make the 25/26 Southampton squad:

Fran Stenson, Rachel Brown, Milly Mott, Tara Bourne, Megan Collett, Amy Goddard, Ellie Hack, Kiera Sena, Chloe Peplow, Rachel Rowe, Atlanta Primus, Isabel Watts, Aimee Palmer, Mary Bashford, Abbie Ferguson, Ellie Brazil, Maria Edwards, Emma Harries and Ruby-Rae Tucker.

Having placed 8th last season, The Saints will be aiming to reach higher than ever before and possibly challenge their fellow WSL2 teams for a WSL spot.