Nottingham Forest Women have signed Katie Cox and Grace McEwen on loan for the 2026-27 campaign, from Chelsea and Brighton respectively.
Cox became the first recipient of Chelsea Women’s Academy Player of the Year, was named in the matchday squad for a Champions League semi-final against Barcelona, started all but three of Aberdeen’s SWPL games during a loan spell last term, and the 20-year-old goalkeeper has also been a regular in the England Youth setups.
McEwen is a defender who can operate both at centre back and as a full back, has represented England at youth level and has experience in the WSL 2 following a loan spell at Portsmouth.
The 18-year-old began her career at Charlton Athletic, working her way through the academy at the Addicks until her move to the south coast in 2023.
Cox told nottinghamforest.co.uk: “From speaking to the coaches and the players I can only think of good reasons of coming here. I wanted to play under a coach that knows what he wants and gets the best out of the players.”
“I’m always excited to meet the other goalkeepers and learn from them, acting as a sponge. As a player, you can expect to hear me before you see me on the pitch!”
Head Coach, Tom Mallinson, said of Katie Cox: “Katie is one of the country’s best young goalkeepers, so we are naturally thrilled she will be joining us for the year.
“She has been around world class environments and gained valuable senior football experience, which puts her in a great place to excel here. Katie has a natural presence, is eager to learn, and we all believe she will fit in well within our environment and culture.”
On McEwen’s loan move, Mallinson added: “Grace is hungry to continue her development and is a highly rated player who will add depth and strength to the squad.
“Grace is versatile in terms of being able to play a couple of positions and has had experience at this level, which is also important for us.”