Manchester City Women have made steps to ensure their grip on the Women’s Super League lead remains tight with the headline signing of United States stalwart Sam Coffey.
City lead the WSL by six points from current champions Chelsea, with a dozen matches played. The signing of Coffey proves that they are very much the team to beat this year, as the London outfit have slipped up in recent games before the Christmas break.
Coffey has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal, after a four-year stint at the Portland Thorns. The amount paid is reportedly around $800,000 (£600,000). This has finalised a long pursuit for the American, as an offer was made during the summer. Now, the USWNT star can push on and wrestle the title away from the perennial champions, and help take City back to the top of the women’s game here in England.
Upon signing the 27-year-old said:
“City really stood out from the get-go. First and foremost, [it was] the style of play, and when I watch the team, the girls seem happy, close and connected. I think I’m at a place in my career where I feel ready and settled in as a professional. It feels like the right time to really challenge myself in this way. The fact it’s official, I’m here and it’s all real and happening is just so exciting, and I couldn’t be more ready and happy about everything.”
Defensive Midfield Depth
Portland has been the defensive midfielders only professional team after starring in college for both the Boston College Eagles and the Penn State Nittany Lions. She has a wealth of experience at the international level, having played at all younger levels before making her debut in the senior national side in 2022. Since then she has earned nearly 50 caps and scored five times. She was an invaluable member of Emma Hayes’ Gold medal winning team in the Olympics last Summer.
City manager Andree Jeglertz, is looking to bring City their first WSL title in a decade, and they have made positive strides in this campaign. Director of women’s football Therese Sjogran joined in 2024 and has bene nothing but positive with ambition and growth in the squad. The signing of such a big name as Coffey is testament to how the club is growing again. No doubt this is a squad built for winning now, but also looking to the future with Champions League ambitions.