Manchester City have signed the USA midfielder Sam Coffey on a three-and-a-half year deal.
The 27-year-old won gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics and has accrued 42 caps and scored five goals for the USA, becoming a key part of Emma Hayes’ national team. After graduating she joined Portland Thorns and lifted the 2022 NWSL Championship in her debut season.
As reported by the Guardian last week, Coffey had been in advanced talks with City having been granted permission by Portland Thorns to fly to England to finalise the move and are reported to have paid around $800,000 (£600,000) for the American.
City’s director of women’s football, Therese Sjögran, said Coffey’s arrival demonstrates the ambitions of the WSL pacesetters, who have a six-point lead over Chelsea.
“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 said “City really stood out from the get-go”, adding: “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. 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.”
Meanwhile, the 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.
