Manchester City are on the verge of a significant transfer coup, with advanced talks underway to sign United States international midfielder Sam Coffey from the Portland Thorns.
Deal Nearing Completion for Key Midfielder
The Guardian understands that negotiations for the 27-year-old are at an advanced stage, with multiple sources indicating the move is close to being finalised. Coffey has been granted permission to fly to Manchester to complete the transfer, which explains her omission from the latest 26-player US squad for a training camp in California.
City are believed to have tracked the player for an extensive period. Coffey, who captained Portland in 2025, has two seasons remaining on her contract with the NWSL side but is now poised for a switch to the Women's Super League.
Profile of a Proven Winner
Sam Coffey brings a wealth of experience and quality to the potential deal. She has earned 42 senior caps for the four-time world champion United States team, contributing five goals and four assists. A key member of the squad that won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Coffey is most adept in the holding midfield role, offering defensive solidity and intelligent distribution.
Her arrival would provide a substantial boost to Gareth Taylor's side as they pursue a first Women's Super League title since 2016. City currently sit six points clear at the top of the table at the season's halfway stage.
Broader Implications for the WSL and NWSL
This prospective transfer represents another high-profile departure from the American NWSL, following the moves of Alyssa Thompson and Naomi Girma to Chelsea last year, and Emily Fox's switch to Arsenal in January 2024. It underscores the growing financial and competitive pull of the English WSL, which continues to attract top global talent.
In other WSL transfer news confirmed on Thursday:
- Brighton signed midfielder Olaug Tvedten from Vålerenga.
- Leicester brought in experienced full-back Ashleigh Neville from Tottenham.
- Bristol City acquired England winger Katie Robinson from Aston Villa.
- Leicester's Janice Cayman departed for PSV.
The potential acquisition of Sam Coffey signals Manchester City's serious intent to strengthen their squad for the title run-in, marking a major statement in the January transfer window.
