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Australian football legend Sam Kerr signs with Gotham FC after Chelsea exit

From Al Jazeera · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Australian football star Sam Kerr has signed with the NWSL's Gotham FC, returning to the US league after six years with Chelsea.
  • Kerr signed a contract through the 2030 season, aiming to help Gotham FC compete for more trophies.
  • Her return is considered a significant coup for the NWSL, bringing one of the sport's top talents back to the US.

Australian soccer icon Sam Kerr is returning to the United States Women's National Soccer League (NWSL), signing a deal with reigning champions Gotham FC through the 2030 season. This move marks Kerr's return to the league where she previously played from 2015 to 2017, after a highly successful six-year stint with English club Chelsea. During her time in England, Kerr amassed five Women's Super League titles and became Chelsea's all-time leading scorer.

This club was an important part of my journey, and to come back at this moment, with everything Gotham has built, is really special. The ambition here is clear, and I’m looking forward to helping this team compete for trophies and create more history.

— Sam KerrExpressing her feelings about returning to Gotham FC and her future ambitions with the club.

Kerr, who was a free agent, expressed her excitement about rejoining Gotham FC. "This club was an important part of my journey, and to come back at this moment, with everything Gotham has built, is really special," Kerr said in a statement. "The ambition here is clear, and I’m looking forward to helping this team compete for trophies and create more history." Her signing is seen as a major coup for the NWSL, especially after several players moved to European leagues last year. Gotham FC's president of football operations, Yael Averbuch West, hailed Kerr as "one of the defining players of her generation and a game-changing talent."

Sam is one of the defining players of her generation and a game-changing talent who has consistently delivered at the highest levels of world football.

— Yael Averbuch WestDescribing Sam Kerr's significance and talent in the world of football.

Kerr holds the NWSL record for regular-season goals with 77, despite her absence. Her previous NWSL career included stints with Sky Blue FC (now Gotham FC) and the Chicago Red Stars. In 2017, she won the Golden Boot and MVP awards with Sky Blue FC. She is expected to debut for Gotham FC after the NWSL's transfer window opens on July 14, with the team's next match on July 15.

Bringing Sam back to Gotham is a landmark moment for our club, and we couldn’t be more excited.

— Yael Averbuch WestHighlighting the importance of Sam Kerr's signing for Gotham FC.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Al Jazeera. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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