Ashleigh Plumptre Opens Up on Her Bold Move to Saudi Arabia
Super Falcons star Ashleigh Plumptre has revealed that her decision to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad came down to intuition rather than financial temptation, despite offers from clubs in the UK, US, and Europe.
The 27-year-old defender, who made her name with Leicester City before switching international allegiance to Nigeria, described the move as “unexpected but right.”
Speaking to BBC Sport, Plumptre said, “I spoke to some teams in the UK, US, and Europe, then Dad said there was a team in Saudi Arabia who are interested in you.
I was shocked. My initial reaction was ‘no’, but I wanted to give them a chance.” That initial hesitation quickly turned into intrigue. What began as a surprise inquiry evolved into a life-changing opportunity.
Plumptre, known for her composure on the pitch and her off-field authenticity, admitted she followed her instincts rather than chasing the biggest payday.
Her father and agent, Tim Plumptre, broke the news of Al-Ittihad’s interest. The defender, however, made it clear that the choice was driven by personal conviction.
“I had an hour-long call with the coach and two people in the management staff, and I said to Dad, ‘I have a really good feeling about this’.
We barely even spoke about football, but about ourselves and what we were passionate about.
I’m someone who goes off feeling and intuition. But I wanted to go out and visit, I wanted to see what it was really like.
I visited for two days and really liked it, and when I left there I thought ‘this is where I want to be’,” she shared.
Her words echo the sentiment of a player searching for meaning beyond glories and titles, a move predicated on connection rather than convenience.
Plumptre joins a growing list of transnational players embracing the Saudi Women’s Premier League( SWPL), established in 2022 as a completely professional league.
Comprising 24 brigades across three divisions, the competition allows clubs to subscribe up to six foreign players, marking a significant step forward for women’s football in the region.
While the Saudi Pro League on the men’s side has grabbed headlines for high-profile signings like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema, the women’s game is quietly building its own identity, and stars like Plumptre are helping shape that narrative.
Although Plumptre’s representatives declined to comment on her contract details, reports indicate that the SWPL, funded by the Public Investment Fund, offers competitive incentives, including higher prize money than England’s Women’s Super League (WSL).
Foreign players in Saudi Arabia reportedly earn between £44,000 and £89,000 per year, tax-free. By contrast, a 2022 BBC survey found the average WSL salary to be around £47,000.
Still, Plumptre insists her motivation was never about money. For her, it was about purpose and potential.
For many, moving from England’s top flight to a developing league might seem a step down. But for Plumptre, it’s a step towards something new.
Her story is one of faith, intuition, and courage, the hallmarks of a player determined to forge her own path.
And as the spotlight shifts to women’s football in the Middle East, Ashleigh Plumptre’s journey may just become a defining chapter in the sport’s next big evolution.
