Gemma Bonner: Liverpool re-signs Women’s Super League title-winning captain on Christmas Eve

Gemma Bonner, a defender who led the Reds to two Women’s Super League championships during her initial stint, was re-signed by Liverpool Women on Christmas Eve. The 31-year-old will join from American club Racing Louisville “For me, it’s a fairly unique time. The moment seems appropriate to return.”

Before departing for Manchester City in 2018, the 31-year-old defender guided Liverpool to back-to-back WSL championships in 2013 and 2014.

The timing of the club’s announcement over the holiday season is apt because Leeds-born Bonner, who joins from National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team Racing Louisville, once requested a Liverpool uniform from Santa Claus in a letter.

England’s 11-time international cap Bonner said: “For me, it’s a fairly unique period. When I enter Anfield, I still pinch myself.

“I’m ecstatic to be back and can’t wait to put the shirt on, go out with the girls, and start playing for Liverpool once more.

It was difficult for me to go after spending a good amount of time here, but I believe that deep down I always knew that I would want to return to Liverpool. The moment seems right now.

“I remember my prior stay here with some truly amazing moments. It means a little bit more to me because I grew up a Liverpool supporter. It was almost a little emotional to see my clothing today with the name on the back again.”

The Reds shocked defending champions Chelsea with a victory in their first home game of the 2022–23 WSL season, earning them promotion back to the WSL earlier this year after a strong display in the Championship.

With six goals, American striker Katie Stengel is tied with Chelsea’s Fran Kirby for the third position in the competition as the ninth-placed team’s season gets underway.

The team has off to a great start, according to Bonner. “They are undoubtedly constructing and have sound foundations. I’m hoping I can join in and help with the development going forward.”

Only Ashley Hodson has made more appearances for Liverpool in the professional era than Bonner’s 115 during her previous six-year tenure with the team.

The move will bring the center-back back together with manager Matt Beard, who led Liverpool from 2012 to 2015 before moving on to manage Boston Breakers, West Ham, and Bristol before coming back in 2021.

Gemma’s return to the football team was “too fantastic an opportunity to pass up,” claimed Beard, who previously oversaw Bonner at Chelsea before both players joined Liverpool.

“She will offer leadership and expertise to the team, and we used to work well together.

“With Liverpool and Manchester City, she has won every trophy in England. She has now been to America to extend her horizons and introduce herself to various football cultures.

It simply seems as though she is returning home.

Gemma Bonner, a defender for Liverpool who led the team to two Women’s Super League championships during her initial stint with the organization, has been re-signed.

The 31-year-old, who has 11 England caps, will go from US club Racing Louisville to the Reds, pending international clearance and consent.

Bonner worked at Liverpool for six years before transferring to Manchester City in 2018.

“For me, it’s unique. As I enter Anfield, I still pinch myself “Bonner stated.

“I used to spend a lot of time here. Although leaving was a difficult choice, I believe that deep down I always knew that I would love to return to Liverpool at some point. The moment seems right now.

The team has had a strong start to the season and, obviously campaign in which it returned to the top division. They are undoubtedly constructing and have sound foundations.

“Hopefully I can join in and help with the ongoing development.”

In 2013 and 2014, Bonner won back-to-back WSL championships with Liverpool and LFC Ladies. She has played 115 times for the club, making her the second-highest appearance-maker throughout the professional era.

It was an opportunity that was too excellent to miss to get Gemma back into football.

“She will offer leadership and expertise to the team, and we used to work well together.

“She has achieved success with Liverpool and Manchester City in England and has now traveled to America to broaden her horizons and introduce her to various football cultures.

It simply seems as though she is returning home.

 Gemma Bonner, a former captain of Liverpool and Women’s Super League winner, will rejoin the team on January 1 for a second spell.

Before departing for Manchester City in 2018, the 31-year-old defender guided Liverpool to back-to-back WSL championships in 2013 and 2014.

The club’s announcement comes just in time for the holidays because Leeds-born Bonner, who will play for Racing Louisville in the NWSL, once asked Santa for a Liverpool uniform for Christmas in a letter.

Bonner, who has 11 England caps, said: “It’s a pretty amazing moment for me. Every time I enter Anfield, I continue to pinch myself.

“I can’t wait to put the shirt back on, hang out with the girls, and return to play for Liverpool. I’m really happy to be back.

“I spent some time here before, and leaving was difficult, but I believe that deep down I always knew that I would like to return to Liverpool at some point. The moment is right now.

“Lifting those trophies, especially one after the other, is among the accomplishments of which I have been most proud.

“I had amazing memories from my previous time here. Being a lifelong Liverpool supporter means a little more. It was nearly a little emotional to see my shirt with the name on the back again today.

After an outstanding performance in the Championship, the Reds were elevated to the WSL earlier this year. In their opening home game of the 2022–23 WSL season, they shocked defending champion, Chelsea.

With six goals in the first nine games of the season, American striker Katie Stengel is tied with Chelsea’s Fran Kirby for third place in the competition.

The team had a strong start, according to Bonner. They are undoubtedly constructing and have a solid basis. I’m hoping to join in and aid in further advancement.

Only Ashley Hodson had more professional appearances for Liverpool than Bonner’s 115 during his previous six-year stay with the team.

The move will also bring the center-back back together with manager Matt Beard, who led Liverpool from 2012 to 2015 and has held managerial positions with the Boston Breakers, West Ham, and Bristol before coming back in 2021.

After consecutive victories in 2013 and 2014, Liverpool manager Matt Beard reunites with Bonner in the picture.

Gemma’s opportunity at the football club was “too fantastic an opportunity to pass up,” claimed Beard, who also oversaw Bonner at Chelsea before the two players joined Liverpool.

“We used to have a terrific working connection, and she will give the team leadership and experience.

She won everything in England while playing for Liverpool and Manchester City, and she’s now traveling to the United States to extend her horizons and expose herself to various footballing cultures.

It simply seems as though she is returning home.