Former Genero Adran Trophy winners The New Saints have completed the signing of Cardiff City forward Fiona Barry, in another significant move in the summer transfer window.
19-year-old forward Barry has been a standout for Cardiff over the past two seasons since joining from English FA Women’s National League side Bridgwater United, having began her senior career with the Somerset-based side.
Her breakthrough debut season in the 2024/25 campaign saw Barry claim the Genero Adran Premier Young Player of the Season. She made 36 goal contributions in 52 appearances in all competitions during her time in the capital, with two of those appearances coming in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Barry told the TNS website: “I’m really excited to be joining The New Saints. Having spoken to the coaching staff about the club’s ambitions, I could tell straight away this was the right next step for me.
“I’ve been lucky enough to win trophies and play in Europe with Cardiff, and I want to bring that same winning mentality here. I can’t wait to meet my new teammates and get started.”
Analysis | One of the best attacking players in the division, to add to an incredible depth of forwards
Analysis by Harry Ware
I don’t think I can remember many seasons where key players from clubs in the Genero Adran Premier have move to direct rivals, which is exactly what The New Saints have become and will further become by the end of this summer transfer window.
Cardiff City stars Mikayla Cook and Fiona Barry have both made the switch up North, with more likely to follow one way or another. Wrexham title winners Hannah Snape and Abbie Iddenden have joined local rivals The New Saints, whilst Swansea City legend Katy Hosford starts a new chapter with Briton Ferry Llansawel, who will be a force to be reckoned with in 2026/27.
Back on Fiona Barry though, who could be a significant addition for The New Saints. A versatile attacking player full of confidence and thrives in the big occasion, particularly against the team that TNS will have to battle against in order to win the Genero Adran Premier, the ultimate aim.
Comfortable with both feet, effective from dead ball scenarios, effective in the air, but most importantly a goalscorer, a player with pace and a nuisance for any defence she comes up against. Last year, there was even the suggestion that she’s capable of WSL/WSL 2 football in the future, which I don’t think is too far off the mark.
However, injuries limited minutes at stages last season for Barry, likely to have contributed to not completing a full 90 minutes in February, a month which included the Genero Adran Trophy Final.
If The New Saints can keep a fully fit Fiona Barry, they have one of the best attacking players in the division, to add to an incredible depth of forwards at the club. Gibraltar international Caitlin Chapman and former Wolves striker Chantelle Teare both signed new contracts on the same day, Iddenden has already move across from Wrexham, whilst Grace Thomas and Olivia Buckland have also signed new deals.
Further to that, Lexi Jones, Lexie Harrison and Maria Ewers have all made numerous appearances in a frontline role.
Sensational depth for TNS boss Kieran Lee-Birch, maybe even too much, which brings back the question which has done the rounds on social media recently, loan deals. Watch this space.