Today, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink has almost certainly lost his record for the biggest name ever signed by Celtic with the arrival from Napoli of Jacynta Galabadaarachchi at the club. The striker is a much needed addition to the Celtic FC Women’s side as Fran Alonso’s side has lost three of its foreign stars in recent weeks including the talismanic striker Summer Green and the Spanish goalscorer Anita Marcos. Brenda Castellano also decided to leave the club during the last month were there has been no football due to the Government restrictions.
A quick count of the letters in both striker’s names would suggest that the Dutch star remains the longest name ever on the back of a Celtic shirt but there’s more to Celtic new Australian signing – her full name is actually Jacynta Prema de Nieva Galabadaarachchi – we think that is game, set and match to our new Celtic FC Women’s striker!
The 19 year old striker started her career at Melbourne City in 2016 before moving to England but despite gaining plenty of interest she was unable to sign a professional contract due to her age. She returned to Australia to play for a season with Perth Glory in season 2018-19 before moving back to England to sign for West Ham. In September 2020 Jacynta moved to Italy on loan to play for Napoli but now has completed her move to Celtic.
Jacynta has been capped by Australia at both Under 17 and Under 20 levels. Celtic FC Women have announced the signing this evening: “Celtic FC Women Women are delighted to announce the signing of Young Australian and former West Ham attacker Jacynta Galabadaarachchi from Napoli! Welcome to the Hoops, Jacynta!” the club tweeted.
And there’s more good news for fans of the title chasing Celtic FC Women side with Fran Alonso also bringing in American striker Mariah Lee, who joins the Hoops from NWSL side OL Reign. This deal is still subject to International Clearance but that should hopefully not be a problem – although with Celtic these days it is unwise to count chickens.