Jessica Wade looking forward to new Aland United journey

The Finnish outfit unveiled Wade on Monday after she signed a two-year deal with an option to renew. 

Wade has thanked her club JVW FC for the support and commitment to helping her realise her dreams after a long-term injury, and praised her agent Julia Molin for getting the move over the line. 

“I’m really excited and so grateful for the opportunity. It’s always been my dream to play in Europe and to be able to do so, especially after my injury, is such a blessing,” Wade told SABC Sport. 

“I can’t wait to learn, grow and experience a new level of football in Europe. I am grateful for the team that developed me from a young age – JVW, for the support, and I also thank my agent Julia Molin for successfully handling the deal."

READ: Banyana pleased to end 2025 on positive note

Wade has been one of the key players in JVW’s return to the top three in the Hollywoodbets Super League for the first time since 2023, having talied 69 points after 30 matches under Janine van Wyk’s maiden stint as head coach at the club.  

Wade has described how special this campaign has been for the team. 

“2025 has been amazing for all of us at JVW. My time with the team has also been nothing short of amazing,” she added.  

“The chemistry our team created both on and off the field brought back my love for football. I found my people and although I’m going to miss them so much, I feel really lucky to have something wonderful to miss.” 

The 22-year-old further expressed gratitude to coach van Wyk and wished the team well ahead of their 2026 HSL campaign.  

“As I start with the new journey in Europe, I just want to thank coach Janine and the rest of the technical team for what they have taught me.  

“I also wish her well in her new journey, and I wish the team for their 2026 campaign,” she concluded.