Leanne Kiernan set for Newcastle switch after 5 years at Liverpool Women
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rush The Kop or go back to LFC Live.
Liverpool FC Women forward Leanne Kiernan is in advanced talks over a permanent transfer to Newcastle United according to reports via the BBC, bringing an end to her five-year stay on Merseyside.The 27-year-old Republic of Ireland international spent the second half of last season on loan at Women’s Super League 2 (WSL 2) side Nottingham Forest. However, with over a year remaining on her Reds contract, fellow second-tier side Newcastle are expected to pay a transfer fee to secure her services permanently as they continue their ambitious push towards the top flight.Kiernan's impending exit marks another significant shift for LFC Women as the squad continues its evolution under manager Gareth Taylor.A mainstay through the highs and lowsFor supporters who have followed the women’s team closely through recent years, Kiernan’s departure brings a heavy dose of nostalgia mixed with genuine gratitude.Joined from West Ham in the summer of 2021 when the Reds were fighting to get out of the Championship, Kiernan was the focal point of the attack.
Across 76 appearances in all competitions, she netted 23 goals putting her second only to Natasha Dowie in Liverpool’s all-time WSL-era scoring charts.Speaking after committing her future to the club back in August 2025, Kiernan summed up what the city and the fanbase meant to her:"It's amazing, for sure. Initial minutes under Taylor's system proved hard to come by for Kiernan, who started just once in the WSL prior to her January loan move to WSL 2 side Nottingham Forest.
With Liverpool adding high-profile attacking options like Germany international Vivien Endemann from Wolfsburg, as well as English full-back Mari Ward and Feyenoord’s Mao Itamura, competition for places has become more difficult.Rebuilding for promotion on TynesideShould the transfer to Newcastle be completed, Kiernan won't be entering a dressing room of strangers in the North East. She will link up with former Liverpool teammate Gemma Evans, as mentioned above she also made the move to WSL 2 rival Newcastle this summer.Newcastle have shown clear intent in the market as they aim for top-flight promotion.