Fran Sánchez’s Barça Women’s squad for 2017/18 continues to take shape. Following the signings of Elise Bussaglia, Natasa Andonova and Toni Duggan comes the arrival of Dutch international Lieke Martens from Swedish club Rosengärd. At 24 years of age she already has plenty of experience with previous spells at German club Duisburg (2012-14) and a season at Goteborg (2014-15).

Martens has also represented the Dutch national side on more than 50 occasions, scoring more than 25 goals. The striker will be one of the key figures in the team that will take part in the European Championships that begin on Sunday 16 July in Holland. The new Barça centre forward was top scorer on 4 goals along with the German Turid Knaak in the U19 European Championships in 2010.

She is a striker who likes to play down the left hand side, even though she is right footed. Martens is a direct player with excellent control and outstanding finishing skills.

Lieke Martens on signing for Barça:

“I am happy to have signed a contract with FC Barcelona. I have always been a great follower of the Club and it is a great honour for me to now be a Barça player.”

“I played against Barça some months ago in the Women’s Champions League and I liked their style of football a lot. They are a very technical and tactical team with great players.”

“I hope to win trophies with Barça and, of course, do well in the Women’s Champions League.”