PSV Women have officially announced the signing of Austria international Julia Hickelsberger-Füller from Galatasaray. The winger has signed a contract with the Dutch champions until June 2029 as PSV continue strengthening their squad ahead of the new season.
Hickelsberger spent one season with Galatasaray in Turkey, where she made 20 appearances and scored five goals. The 26-year-old also brings valuable experience from the international stage, earning more than 50 caps for the Austria women’s national team.
Before her move to Turkey, Julia Hickelsberger played in the German Frauen-Bundesliga with TSG Hoffenheim, gaining experience at one of the highest levels in European women’s football. Speaking about her move to Eindhoven, the Austria international revealed that joining PSV was an easy decision.
“I didn’t have to think long about that. PSV is a big club and the style of play really appeals to me. In Eindhoven you play for trophies and I would like to be part of that. I’m looking forward to getting started soon.”
PSV Women Preparing for Another Title Challenge
PSV Women are already preparing for the 2026/27 campaign after winning the Vrouwen Eredivisie title. The club collected 51 points from 21 matches and could still add to their total in the final round of the season.
Ajax currently sit second with 47 points, while FC Twente follow closely on 46 points. The final standings behind PSV are still to be decided. The signing of Hickelsberger highlights PSV’s ambition to remain at the top of Dutch women’s football and compete strongly in Europe next season.
Kim Akkermans Signs First Professional Contract
PSV have also confirmed that goalkeeper Kim Akkermans has signed her first professional contract with the club. The 18-year-old goalkeeper signed a two-year deal after progressing through the PSV academy since joining in 2022. Akkermans will now officially move into the senior women’s squad.
The club praised her development, mentality and willingness to learn, viewing her as one of the promising young goalkeepers within the academy structure.
Maud Rutgers Joins PSV Women Until 2029
PSV also completed the signing of central defender Maud Rutgers on a contract running until June 2029.
The 20-year-old defender arrives from PEC Zwolle, where she established herself as one of the most promising young defenders in the Vrouwen Eredivisie. Despite her age, Rutgers has already made 62 appearances at the highest level in the Netherlands.
Rutgers explained why PSV stood out among several interested clubs.
“At PSV I got a warm feeling right away.”
Her arrival adds further depth and quality to the PSV defensive line ahead of a season in which the club will aim to defend their domestic title.
Robine Lacroix Extends Contract with PSV
Midfielder Robine Lacroix has signed a new contract extension with PSV until June 2028.
The versatile 20-year-old is capable of playing both in midfield and at right-back. Lacroix has become an increasingly important player for the senior squad thanks to her technical ability, tactical intelligence and defensive qualities.
During the 2025/26 season, Lacroix helped PSV secure the Vrouwen Eredivisie title. She also previously featured in PSV U21 Women’s run to the semi-finals of the Eurojackpot KNVB Cup.
Kasper Kurland Named New PSV Women Head Coach
PSV Women have also confirmed a major change on the coaching staff, with Kasper Kurland set to become the club’s new head coach.
Roeland ten Berge will leave the club after the 2025/26 season, with Kurland arriving from FC Nordsjælland. The Danish coach played an important role in the growth of FC Nordsjælland’s women’s programme and is highly regarded for his work in youth development.
Between 2013 and 2023, Kurland worked as a youth coach within the club before later becoming technical director.
PSV hope Kurland can continue developing the club’s attacking philosophy while helping the team compete for trophies domestically and in Europe.
Analysis: Why This Is an Important Summer for PSV Women
PSV Women are clearly building for long-term success. The arrival of experienced internationals like Julia Hickelsberger, combined with young talents such as Kim Akkermans and Maud Rutgers, shows the club are balancing immediate quality with future development.
Adding a new head coach with a strong reputation for player development also suggests PSV are thinking beyond short-term success. With UEFA Women’s Champions League ambitions growing across Europe, PSV appear determined to establish themselves among the continent’s rising clubs.
Source: PSV Vrouwen
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