Celtic FC Women sign Chinese International midfielder Shen Mengyu

Celtic this morning announced the signing of Chinese midfielder Shen Mengyu from Shanghai Shengli FC for Fran Alonso’s Celtic FC Women side for the new season.

Celtic FC Women Reporter Colette Carr provides details on the new signing – the first time a club in the UK has signed a female player from China – on the official Celtic website this morning.

The Chinese internationalist midfielder who can play both centrally and out wide will make history on her arrival as she becomes the first ever female Chinese professional player to ply her trade in the UK subject to the satisfaction of usual conditions and international clearance.

The dynamic and combative 19-year-old worked her way through the Chinese youth set up, notably scoring at the 2018 Under-20 World Cup at just 17, and earned her first senior call-up in 2020 becoming the youngest member of the squad.

Most recently, she narrowly missed out on selection for the 2020 Olympic team having been involved in the initial squad of 26 and the qualifying rounds.

With an eye for goal and an assist, the teenager brings great tournament experience to Celtic, having played in the Under-16s and Under-19s AFC Women’s Championships before heading to the 2018 Under-20s World Cup in France.

Her gold medal in the 2017 National Games saw the youngster promoted to from Shanghai Shengli’s senior side and make her step into professional football.

Signing after three years with the Chinese Women’s Super League side, the move will bolster Fran Alonso’s already strong midfield as the Celts head into a historic season in which they make their Champions League debut.

Meanwhile Celtic FC Women’s manager Fran Alonso certainly looked a happy Chappy last night as he was back in Paradise to watch the mens side play in the Champions League qualifier against FC Midtjylland.

“Lets go Celts! Amazing to be again at Paradise again. Champions League, cant get any better! In Scotland and in Europe Mon the hoops! Hail hail,” Fran tweeted ahead of the kick-off in a match that ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw when Celtic should have won by a few clear goals at least. We’ll finish them off next Wednesday though!

A big warm, welcome to Celtic to Shen Mengyu!

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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