Manchester City is close to signing U.S. midfielder Sam Coffey from Portland Thorns. The move could change both the English league and the NWSL.
Manchester City is in advanced talks to sign 27-year-old U.S. midfielder Sam Coffey from Portland Thorns. Coffey has been given permission to travel to Manchester so she can help complete the move and agree final terms with the club. The transfer is expected to support City’s push to win the Women’s Super League title for the first time since 2016.
Sam Coffey has played for Portland Thorns for three years and was the team’s captain in 2025. She still has two seasons left on her current deal with the club. For the U.S. national team, Coffey has made 42 appearances, scored five goals, and provided four assists. She also helped the U.S. win the gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games, becoming a key player in midfield.
If Coffey leaves Portland Thorns for Manchester City, it would be another big loss for the National Women’s Soccer League. She is one of the top players in the league and a leader for her club. Her move would follow the exits of stars Alyssa Thompson and Naomi Girma, who joined Chelsea last year. Emily Fox has also shown strong form for Arsenal after leaving North Carolina Courage in a transfer completed in January 2024.
The Women’s Super League returns this weekend after the winter break, with Manchester City six points clear at the top of the table. Coffey’s arrival would give City extra strength in midfield for the title race. Other clubs are also active in the transfer window. Brighton has signed midfielder Olaug Tvedten from Vålerenga. Leicester has added experienced full-back Ashleigh Neville, while Bristol City has brought in winger Katie Robinson from Aston Villa to boost their squad depth.
