Bailey-Gayle, aged 22, is a Jamaican international forward who began her football journey in Arsenal’s youth system. After debuting for the Gunners’ first team in 2018, she played for Leicester City Women before joining Crystal Palace in 2022.
Cataldo, also 22, started her career with Millwall and had stints with Arsenal, London City Lionesses, Leicester City, and Bristol City before signing with Crystal Palace in August 2023. As a former England youth international, Cataldo contributed to Bristol City’s Championship victory last season.
Both players, now joining Newcastle, are part of the Magpies’ efforts to secure promotion from the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division. Newcastle boss Becky Langley expressed excitement about Bailey-Gayle, praising her as a dynamic and energetic player with international experience. Langley highlighted Bailey-Gayle’s speed, technical finishing, and Championship-winning background with Leicester.
Regarding Cataldo, Langley emphasized her experience at prominent clubs like Bristol City, Leicester, and Crystal Palace, noting her impressive physical and technical attributes. Bailey-Gayle and Cataldo, as the third and fourth signings in the January transfer window, follow the arrivals of goalkeeper Lilie Woods and winger Beth Lumsden last week.
Upon joining, Bailey-Gayle expressed happiness to be part of a club with rich history and ambitious goals. Cataldo echoed the excitement, citing the significant investment Newcastle has made in the women’s team and expressing her eagerness to contribute to the club’s aspirations, including potential promotion to the WSL in the coming years.