Sam Coffey Set to Join Manchester City as WSL Title Race Intensifies

According to The Guardian, Sam Coffey, a 27-year-old midfielder, has received clearance to travel to Manchester to finalize her transfer, which is reported to be nearing completion. Coffey has two years remaining on her contract with the Portland Thorns, following a three-year tenure with the American club. Manchester City has been monitoring Coffey, a former player for the Penn State Nittany Lions, as they strive to secure their first Women’s Super League (WSL) title since 2016. Notably, Coffey was not included in the U.S. Women’s National Team’s (USWNT) 26-player roster for a training camp in California this month, which has been linked to her upcoming move to England.

Coffey made her debut for the national team in 2022 and has since netted five goals in 42 appearances. Emma Hayes, who took over as head coach of the USWNT in 2024, has praised Coffey, highlighting her exceptional form and development. “They don’t make players like Sam Coffey anymore. She’s in the form of her life and getting better with every game,” Hayes stated last summer.

Team-mate Claire Hutton also commended Coffey’s contributions, emphasizing their strong on-field partnership. “We have trust in each other and confidence in different players handling the ball, which reflects the exceptional team culture that Emma is fostering among us,” said Hutton.

In the context of the WSL, Chelsea has clinched the title eight times, Arsenal three times, Liverpool twice, and Manchester City once, almost a decade ago. Currently, City sits six points ahead of defending champions Chelsea in the league standings after 11 matches this season. Andree Jeglertz, City’s head coach, has made history by becoming the first manager in the WSL to win Manager of the Month three consecutive times, tying the record for the most awards in a single season.

On receiving this accolade, Jeglertz remarked, “I feel very honoured to have won this award again and would like to thank everyone who voted. Our strong start to the season is a testament to the hard work of my players and staff. It’s a privilege to work alongside them, and we are all eager to resume play and build on our progress.”

As the league leaders, City will return to WSL action on Sunday against Everton. It remains uncertain when Coffey will be officially introduced as a City player, but if she is not available for this match, she may debut during the FA Cup clash against Bournemouth on January 18.