Portsmouth Women complete signing of Arsenal starlet with ‘big future’
Portsmouth Women have been highly active so far this summer, bringing in numerous players ready for their WSL2 campaign.
Jay Sadler has not been afraid to overhaul Portsmouth’s squad in the build-up to the new season, with numerous faces coming through the door.
This comes after Portsmouth narrowly avoided relegation last campaign, with their end-of-season form pulling them out of trouble.
Now, Sadler has continued to remain active in the transfer window ahead of their first WLS2 match against Durham on Sunday.
Portsmouth Women sign Jessie Gale on loan from Arsenal
On 3 September, Portsmouth Women announced that they had completed the signing of Jessie Gale on loan via X until the end of the season.
The 17-year-old is a highly promising forward and has been a key player in the Gunners Under 21s side.
Last season, Gale was sent out on loan to third-tier side Watford, where she netted seven times and collected five assists in 21 appearances.
- Gale has come through Arsenal’s academy
- The forward was a success on loan to Watford last season
- Gale has now joined Portsmouth on loan until the end of the campaign
After signing her first professional contract with the Champions League holders on 8 July, the Gunner’ Head of Player Development James Honeyman told Arsenal: “Since joining Arsenal, Jessie has given everything to developing not only as a footballer but as a person as well.
“She takes every opportunity that comes her way, and we’re all proud of her journey so far. Jessie has got a big future ahead of her and we look forward to seeing her develop at Arsenal.”
Now, Sadler will be looking to harness this potential in their upcoming 2025/26 campaign, where Portsmouth Women look to avoid a relegation battle and push up the WSL2 table.
✍️ Jessie Gale joins #Pompey on a season-long loan from @ArsenalWFC!
— Portsmouth Women (@PompeyWomen) September 3, 2025
What has Jay Sadler said about Jessie Gale’s arrival?
Sadler was no doubt pleased to see Gale arrive at Pompey on Wednesday.
Portsmouth Women had recently announced the signing of Ella Rutherford, and now the forward will only add to the quality in the squad.
Speaking on Gale’s arrival, Sadler believes the Arsenal loanee will add multiple qualities to his squad.
| Jessie Gale at Watford last season | |
| Appearances | 21 |
| Goals | 7 |
| Assists | 5 |
He said: “We’re delighted to bring Jessie to Pompey. She’s a player with real talent, and her pace and directness fit perfectly with our playing profile.
“This move is the right step in her development, and we’re grateful to Arsenal for loaning her to us, and we’re excited to be part of her journey.
“Jessie brings great energy both on and off the pitch, and she has a real drive to grow and keep improving. Qualities that will add a lot to our squad.”
Sign up for the Pompey News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Portsmouth news sent straight to your phone.