Adelaide United have signed Jamaican international defender Tianna Harris and American defender Bella Yakel on one-year deals ahead of the 2026/27 Ninja A-League season.
Harris, who holds dual Jamaican and Canadian citizenship, will become the first senior Jamaican international to join a Ninja A-League club, adding another piece of history to the Reds’ squad.
The 26-year-old arrives in Adelaide with experience across North America and Europe, most recently playing for SF Damaiense in Portugal’s top flight.
Meanwhile the club has also completed a deal to bring 22-year-old defender Yakel to the club ahead of the upcoming season.
Yakel joins the Reds with an accomplished NCAA Division I career in the United States under her belt, which included a recent stint with Portland Thorns during their 2026 NWSL preseason.
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“Joining Adelaide United is an opportunity I don’t take lightly,” Jamaican international Harris said.
“This is a club with a rich history, a passionate fanbase, and a women’s program that has ambition to be the best.
“I’m incredibly grateful to be part of that story and excited to bring my ambition, work ethic, and personality to a team with such a strong identity.
“I can’t wait to see all the fans at cooper stadium, very excited to be here.”
Harris began her professional career with French side FC Fleury 91 in 2023 before moving to Portugal, having previously enjoyed a standout collegiate career with Kent State University.
She was also named the 2023 USL W League Defender of the Year with Minnesota Aurora.
Harris has since established herself within the Jamaican national-team setup, representing the Reggae Girlz in recent internationals and World Cup qualifying.
Adelaide United Football Director Mitch van Gellekom said Harris would bring valuable experience and quality to the Reds’ defensive group.
“Tianna has built an impressive career across several strong football environments and brings qualities that we believe will translate extremely well to the A-League Women,” van Gellekom said.
“She is athletic, competitive and has demonstrated her ability to perform consistently at a high level.
“To welcome a Jamaican international to the league for the first time is also something we’re really excited about, and we believe Tianna can make a significant contribution this season.”
Harris joins Adelaide United on a one-year deal for the 2026/27 season and will wear the number 23 shirt for the Reds.
Meanwhile fellow new signing Yakel will add some steel to what will be a new-look Reds defensive unit this coming season.
Across her Division I career, the defender accumulated 74 appearances, including 66 starts, and established herself as a consistent presence across the backline. Â
Furthermore, the 22-year-old started all 17 matches for Texas A&M in 2025, playing every available minute across the season and earning the program’s Defensive MVP award. Â
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“Bella has been a consistently high-performing defender throughout her college career and comes to us after testing herself in an NWSL environment,” van Gellekom said when discussing the signing of Yakel.Â
“She is composed, competitive and has shown strong leadership qualities throughout her career.
“We believe there is still significant growth in Bella’s game, and we’re excited to provide her with the opportunity to begin the next chapter of her career here in Adelaide.”
Yakel joins Adelaide United on a one-year deal for the 2026/27 season and will wear the number 16 shirt.
The Reds kick off their 2026/27 Ninja A-League campaign with an away clash against Sydney FC on Sunday, October 18.
