Goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel has won 12 caps for Wales [Huw Evans Picture Agency] Wales goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel has joined Watford on loan from Manchester United for the duration of the 2026-27 season. Middleton-Patel spent the second half of the 2023-24 campaign on loan with the Hornets but is now poised for a full season with the club in Women's Super League 2. The 21-year-old made her senior bow for the Red Devils against Newcastle United in December 2024. She made three appearances under Marc Skinner last season, including in her side's Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain at Old Trafford. A Manchester United statement read: "We will be tracking Saf's progress closely and wish her the very best of luck."
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Middleton-Patel - who has previously had loan spells with Blackburn Rovers, Leicester City and Coventry United - started five of Wales' six World Cup qualifying group stage matches earlier this year. She will bid to retain the number one jersey as Rhian Wilkinson's side face Albania in a double header in October in the play-off first round. The winner of that tie will take on either Romania or Norway in the second round.