Watford Sign Saoirse Noonan: Prolific Celtic Striker Joins on Free Transfer

Watford have moved decisively in the market, snapping up former Celtic forward Saoirse Noonan on a free transfer as they continue to reshape their squad for the new campaign.

The 27-year-old arrives in Hertfordshire after her contract with the Glasgow club expired earlier this summer, ending a devastating two-year spell in front of goal for The Ghirls.

A ruthless scorer from Glasgow

Noonan leaves Celtic with a record that jumps off the page: 57 goals in 74 appearances, top scorer in back-to-back seasons, and five hat-tricks across the last two campaigns. She was the focal point of a Celtic side that lifted the Scottish Gas Women’s Scottish Cup last season and pushed their way onto the European stage in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Defenders in Scotland knew what was coming. They still could not stop it.

A career built on goals

Before lighting up the Scottish game, Noonan made her name in the SSE Airtricity League Women’s Premier Division with Cork City, then sharpened her instincts across two spells at Shelbourne. She already knows English football as well, having spent two years in the Barclays WSL2 with Durham, experience that should ease her transition back into the English pyramid.

On the international stage, she has 14 caps for the Republic of Ireland and two goals, adding a layer of pedigree and big-game experience to Watford’s attacking options.

Statement signing for the Golden Girls

Noonan becomes Watford’s fourth signing of the summer window, another piece in a recruitment drive aimed at adding proven quality and cutting edge to the squad. The numbers from her time at Celtic suggest exactly that: a forward who does not just arrive in chances, but finishes them relentlessly.

Watford have made their move. Now the question is how quickly Noonan can turn that Glasgow ruthlessness into goals in yellow.