Celtic FC Women are delighted to announce the signing of the first ever Chinese women’s footballer in the UK, as Fran Alonso adds midfielder Shen Mengyu from Shanghai Shengli FC to his squad for 2021/22.

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.

Shen Mengyu joins Fran Alonso’s Hoops as first Chinese women’s footballer in UK