Manchester City have signed United States midfielder Sam Coffey from Portland Thorns on a three-and-a-half-year contract.
City have paid a fee in the region of $800,000 (£600,000) for Coffey, who spent four years at the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club.
The 27-year-old had been a City target for several months, with the club making an approach for her in the summer which was turned down.
“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,” said Coffey.
“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.”
Widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, Coffey has made 42 appearances for the USA national team.
She has played almost 100 games for Portland Thorns and helped them win the 2022 NWSL Championship title.
The midfielder was also part of the USA squad, led by ex-Chelsea manager Emma Hayes, that won gold at the 2024 Olympic Games.
.png?width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800 "Vote in our Independent Women poll: Is the new ‘autistic Barbie’ good for representation? – UK Times")