Liefting's Professional Football Journey and Career Path
The trajectory of a professional athlete is often marked by strategic moves and steady growth. For Liefting, the journey from youth development in the Netherlands to the competitive stages of the English Women's Super League (WSL) reflects a commitment to evolving her game at the highest levels of women's football.
Early Development and Rise at VV Alkmaar
Liefting began her footballing education with FC Uitgeest before transitioning to the youth academy of Telstar at the age of 11. This early exposure to structured academy training provided the foundation for her subsequent move to VV Alkmaar two years later.
Her impact at VV Alkmaar was significant enough to secure her long-term future with the club for a period. On 18 April 2024, she committed to the team by signing a two-year contract extension, which was intended to keep her at the club until June 2026.
Transition to the English Game
The next major chapter of her career began on 31 January 2025, when Liefting made a high-profile move to the English Women's Super League (WSL), joining Chelsea on a three-and-a-half-year contract.
To gain further competitive experience, she joined Newcastle United, a WSL 2 side, on loan for the duration of the 2025–26 season, starting on 4 September.
Return to the Netherlands
Following her time in England, Liefting returned to her home country's top flight. On 17 July 2026, she joined the Vrouwen Eredivisie (the highest professional league for women in the Netherlands) club Ajax on a season-long loan.
Key Facts
- Youth Start: Began at FC Uitgeest and Telstar.
- Long-term Commitment: Signed a contract extension with VV Alkmaar in April 2024.
- Major Transfer: Joined Chelsea in January 2025 on a 3.5-year deal.
- Loan Spells: Played for Newcastle United (WSL 2) and Ajax (Vrouwen Eredivisie).
| Date/Period | Club | Transaction Type |
|---|---|---|
| Youth | FC Uitgeest / Telstar | Youth Academy |
| Until 2025 | VV Alkmaar | Permanent (Extended 2024) |
| Jan 31, 2025 | Chelsea | Permanent Transfer |
| Sept 4, 2025 | Newcastle United | Loan (2025–26 Season) |
| July 17, 2026 | Ajax | Loan (Season-long) |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Liefting join Chelsea?
Liefting joined the Women's Super League club Chelsea on 31 January 2025, signing a contract for three and a half years.
Which youth academies did Liefting attend?
She started her youth career with FC Uitgeest and later joined the Telstar youth academy at age 11.
How long was Liefting's contract extension with VV Alkmaar?
On 18 April 2024, she signed a two-year extension that was set to run until June 2026.
Which clubs has Liefting played for on loan?
Liefting has had loan spells with Newcastle United in the WSL 2 and Ajax in the Vrouwen Eredivisie.
When did Liefting move to Ajax?
She joined Ajax on a season-long loan on 17 July 2026.