Wales striker Hughes joins Sunderland

Elise Hughes won promotion to the WSL with Crystal Palace last season [Getty Images] Striker Elise Hughes has signed for Women's Super League 2 (WSL 2) club Sunderland Women on a two-year contract. The Wales international, 25, moves to Wearside after announcing she was leaving Crystal Palace in June. Hughes was a key member of the Palace team who sealed promotion back to the Women's Super League in the 2025-26 season. She featured in all 22 WSL 2 matches and scored four goals. "This is a huge moment for me, and I'm excited to get started," Hughes told the Sunderland club website. "The club has incredible ambition and a proud history, so it's a really exciting time to be part of it. "I've spent a number of years in this league and have enjoyed success along the way. I hope to bring that experience to the squad and contribute as many goals and assists as I can." Sunderland finished eighth in WSL 2 last season, but are eyeing progress following a takeover of the club last month. Hughes joins fellow Wales player Rhiannon Roberts at Sunderland, while another Welsh player, Mared Griffiths, had a spell on loan there last season. Llanelli to host Wales Women's World Cup play-off Free agent Wales players put themselves in shop window