Manchester City Secures Sam Coffey from Portland Thorns

Manchester City has announced the signing of United States midfielder Sam Coffey from Portland Thorns on a three-and-a-half-year contract.

City has reportedly paid a fee close to $800,000 (£600,000) for Coffey, who has spent four years with the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club.

At 27 years of age, Coffey had been on City’s radar for several months, with an unsuccessful approach made last summer.

“City stood out to me from the beginning. Primarily, it was the team’s style of play; when I watch them, the players seem happy, close-knit, and connected,” Coffey stated.

“I believe I’m at a pivotal point in my career where I feel prepared and settled as a professional. It feels like the right time to genuinely challenge myself in this manner.

“Now that it’s official and real, I am incredibly excited and couldn’t be happier about this opportunity.”

Widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders globally, Coffey has made 42 appearances for the USA national team.

In her tenure with Portland Thorns, she accumulated nearly 100 appearances and was instrumental in securing the 2022 NWSL Championship title.

Additionally, she was part of the USA squad, managed by former Chelsea coach Emma Hayes, that achieved gold in the 2024 Olympic Games.

Currently, Manchester City is six points clear at the top of the Women’s Super League (WSL) table, pursuing their first league title in a decade.

Chelsea has dominated the league over the past six years, but City, under manager Andree Jeglertz, has shown promising progress this season.

Since joining the club in 2024, Therese Sjogran, the Director of Women’s Football, has made a significant impact, demonstrating ambition in the transfer market.

As a result, City’s squad boasts depth and quality, with Coffey being the latest high-profile addition. Numerous WSL clubs have closely monitored the USA star in recent years, and City had to compete for her signature as Thorns turned down multiple offers.

Coffey will bring valuable options in midfield, particularly with key Japan international Yui Hasegawa set to join her national team for the Asia Cup in March.

Jeglertz is constructing a squad capable of not only winning the WSL but also competing in the following season’s Women’s Champions League, with Coffey expected to play a vital role in that endeavor.

For more insights and updates, tune into the Women’s Football Weekly podcast hosted by Ben Haines, Ellen White, and Jen Beattie, with new episodes released every Tuesday on BBC Sounds. Additionally, visit our dedicated page for the latest WSL news.