In a move that is set to send shockwaves throughout the Women's Super League (WSL), Manchester City have secured the services of highly-rated USA midfielder Sam Coffey on a three-and-a-half year deal. The 27-year-old, who has established herself as a key player for the US Women's National Team, brings a wealth of experience and talent to the table, having won gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics and accrued 42 caps and five goals for her country.
Coffey's impressive career trajectory began after graduating, when she joined Portland Thorns and played a pivotal role in the team's 2022 NWSL Championship win in her debut season. Her performances caught the attention of Manchester City, who have been actively pursuing her signature. As reported earlier, Coffey had been in advanced talks with the club, having been granted permission by Portland Thorns to fly to England to finalize the move. The transfer fee is believed to be in the region of $800,000 (£600,000).
The signing of Coffey is a significant coup for Manchester City, who are currently leading the WSL by six points. Therese Sjögran, the club's director of women's football, expressed her delight at the acquisition, stating that Coffey's arrival demonstrates the club's ambition and progress. "Sam is playing at the top of her game, and I think her decision to come here shows the incredible progress we've made as a club and the ambitions we have moving forward," said Sjogran.
Sam's reputation as one of the world's best speaks for itself, and we're delighted she's chosen to come here ahead of other potential suitors. We believe she has all the qualities needed to thrive at City and, more broadly, the WSL, and we're excited to see how she can elevate our already superb squad of players.
Coffey, who has been drawn to Manchester City's attractive playing style, is eager to get started. "City really stood out from the get-go", she said. "First and foremost, the style of play, and when I watch the team play the girls look and seem happy, and they seem so close and connected. I think I'm at a place in my career where I feel ready and settled in as a pro. It feels like the right time to really challenge myself in this way." Coffey's enthusiasm is palpable, and she is clearly excited about the prospect of joining her new teammates and contributing to the club's success.
In other news, England forward Michelle Agyemang has ended her loan spell at Brighton to continue her recovery from a season-ending knee injury at parent club Arsenal. The 19-year-old ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament during her country's 3-0 friendly win over Australia in October. Agyemang's injury is a significant blow, but she is expected to make a full recovery and will be working hard to regain her fitness in the coming months.
The signing of Sam Coffey is a major boost for Manchester City, who are looking to maintain their lead at the top of the WSL. With Coffey on board, the club will be hoping to push on and secure the title, and her arrival is likely to send a statement to their rivals. As the season heats up, fans will be eagerly anticipating Coffey's debut and watching with interest to see how she settles into her new team.
Original: The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
Written by Npsports
