Sunderland Women Complete a Loan Move for Sanni Franssi

Sunderland Women have signed Finland international striker Sanni Franssi on a season-long loan from London City Lionesses.

She has 92 caps for her country and spent five years at Real Sociedad, scoring 39 goals in 162 appearances.

With Finnish sides VJS and PK-35 Vantaa, she scored a total of 86 goals in 134 games and also had stints with FC Zürich, Juventus, and Fortuna Hjørring.

Franssi told safc.com: “I am very excited to sign for Sunderland. I am so excited to get started and see what is to come. It is an ambitious project but one that will be great to be a part of. We will take it one step at a time. Everything feels right here.”

Technical Director Rehanne Skinner added: “Adding someone with Sanni’s experience at both WSL 1 and international level is a significant boost for the club in a key part of the pitch we were focused on strengthening. Sanni’s professionalism, consistency, and winning mentality will be invaluable both on & off the pitch.”

Head Coach Mel Reay added: “Sanni is a real quality addition to the squad. A dangerous player at the top end of the pitch, she also has a tremendous work rate. Her running, finishing and ability to unsettle defenders will no doubt allow her to flourish in WSL2, and hopefully provide game-changing moments, whether she’s contributing to moves or getting on the end of them. She’s played in some big leagues for some big teams and we’re thrilled to be able to bring a player of her calibre and experience into the group.”