Ejupi joins the Wildcats for the 2021/22 season after leaving FA Women’s Championship side London City Lionesses, and will further bolster Lee Sanders’ squad ahead of another competitive campaign in the second tier.
Ejupi began her career at Charlton Athletic before moving to Nottingham Forest and later top tier side Notts County.
But it was her move to Aston Villa in 2017 where Ejupi really began to catch the eye with a string of fine performances for the Villains.
She then rejoined Charlton for the 2018/19 season, scoring 13 times in just 18 games for the Addicks during a successful campaign.
A switch to London City then followed, where Ejupi continued to shine in the FA Women’s Championship.
The striker has also received international recognition with Albania, and comes to Durham looking to contribute to another successful season.
“It feels good to be here,” said Ejupi, after putting pen to paper.
“I’ve always had tough games against Durham and it’s a team that I’ve spoken to for a few years. It feels good to finally be here.
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe in the team. Durham have proved themselves for the last few seasons and I only want to build on that and be part of it.
“I think it’s going to be a really tough year for everyone, but the competition is exciting.”
After landing the striker, manager Sanders said: “Liz is a player who we’ve always had a tough time against whenever she’s been in the opposition team.
“I first saw her at Notts County in the development set-up and then moved on to Aston Villa where she had a good spell and then did similarly well at Charlton.
“She’s been a little bit unfortunate with injuries at London City but is a player I always felt would fit in with us.
“It’s a strange thing to say, but she plays and carries herself like a Durham player, and I’m really excited to see what she can do with this squad of players.
“We purposely haven’t had a high turnover of players and we never usually do, and hopefully that shows in some continuity of the success we’ve had in recent years.
“There are a couple of key areas we needed to strengthen in and I think this was one, and hopefully Liz will be the player to come in and help us.
“She’s good in the air and on the ground, and enjoys assisting as well as scoring goals.
“Her work-rate is high and if the coaching staff and myself can get the best out of her and the other players, then hopefully we will add some more goals next season.”
Courtesy of Durham Women FC
