7 Top NWSL Free Agents and Where They Could Land
We have officially entered a new era of women’s soccer in the NWSL. With the first year of free agency and the defunct NWSL Draft, the landscape of women’s soccer has changed forever. Players have the power to choose where they want to go, which could be good or bad. The more sought-after players will end up on a team in short order, but some of your favorite players might end up out of the league if no one wants their services. We’re focusing on the best free agents on the market. Here’s a look at the best players in NWSL Free Agency and where they might land.
Midge Purce – Midfielder
If anyone has watched Midge Purce’s reality TV show, “The Offseason,” then you know that Purce has made some tough decisions in regard to her career. During the show, we saw her decision to end up staying in Gotham despite interest from other teams. Purce talked about wanting to play on a team like Gotham with a chance to win titles. Sadly, her major injury kept her from contributing, and now she faces a similar decision.
However, the team traded away Yasmeen Ryan and let McCall Zerboni go. Could the trade of Ryan be a move to appease Purce to ensure she has more playing time? Or will this be the end of her tenure with the bats? I think she has three good options: stay in Gotham until the new Boston team is formed and she makes her move there since she went to Harvard and knows Boston well. She could move to Kansas City, where they could add her on the wing and chase the ring, or she could do neither and move to Europe if there’s interest. My choice is to go to Kansas City to help that team win a title, she’ll get treated the way she deserves along with a chance to add to her legacy.
Kerolin – Forward
The former MVP had an incredible season two years ago but missed key parts of last season due to injury. Kerolin didn’t quite look like her old self once she returned, and the Courage seemed to do well without her by making the playoffs again. Does the NC Courage have enough to keep Kerolin when some European clubs have shown interest? The biggest rumor, which is currently being speculated, is Arsenal. This would be a blockbuster move for Kerolin, whose playing style is better suited for Europe anyway.
KEROLIN COME HOME https://t.co/mcBc4s3a58 pic.twitter.com/fvabSHXcnm
— morgan (@trossqrd) January 4, 2025
As sad as it would be to see her leave the NWSL, that is the most likely scenario. Her fellow Brazilians in Orlando might be doing their own recruiting to convince her to come to the Pride and possibly repeat as NWSL Champions. Don’t count out Orlando, but Europe seems most likely at this point for Kerolin.
Marta – Midfielder
It sounds crazy to think that the GOAT is a free agent, but that is the case right now. The ball seems to be in Orlando’s court regarding what they want to do with Marta. Either one of two things will happen in this situation. Orlando is putting together a deal to resign Marta at a price they feel Marta is worth. Either Marta will accept a potential pay cut to stay at the club, or she’ll leave. Marta likely won’t care about money, which gives her a strong chance to re-sign with Orlando.
End-of-year roster decisions are due today for #NWSL teams. The champs, Orlando Pride, locked up most of the team already but their press release today is a good reminder about their high-profile free-agent star: “in discussions with Marta regarding a return for the 2025 season.”
— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) December 10, 2024
However, if, for whatever reason, there are differences in contract negotiations and neither side comes to an agreement, then don’t be surprised if Marta goes back to Brazil. She could use her platform as the best ever to try and build the women’s league in Brazil and finish her playing days there.
Kelli Hubly – Defender
Kelli Hubly spent her entire career with the Portland Thorns, won two NWSL titles, and gave the club everything she could. The Thorns didn’t respond in kind, and neither side could come to an agreement on a new deal. It’s safe to say that the city and her former teammates were not happy with this move.
Safe to say a Thorns star is not thrilled with the team and Kelli Hubly parting ways… pic.twitter.com/mA2PBBw1oR
— Brenna Greene (@BrennaGreene_) December 27, 2024
Instead of rewarding loyalty and deciding to keep Hubly, the Thorns made a business decision by saying they would take their chances with someone else. This is the tough part of free agency, these types of heart-wrenching decisions will be made often. Defenders like Hubly are at a premium on the market right now. She should have her pick of teams. Angel City and the Utah Royals both need defenders and should pursue her. The most intriguing fit could be the San Diego Wave. There have been rumors of Naomi Girma going to Lyon, and if that happens, they will desperately need someone like Kelli Hubly.
Tatumn Milazzo – Defender
Tatumn Milazzo did an incredible job carving out a career with the Chicago Red Stars. Milazzo went from a relative unknown to a reliable defender and starter for the Red Stars.
A change in regime is likely what spelled the end for Milazzo because most teams that produce and develop a player like her would want to keep her. She’s still in her prime and could be a significant acquisition for a team that needs defense. Every team that didn’t make the playoffs and needs defensive help should go after her. A fresh start in Houston, Seattle, or Louisville would be a nice fit for her.
Lauren Barnes – Defender
Lauren Barnes and the Seattle Reign go hand in hand. Barnes has served the club more than anyone else in their history. She has made the most appearances in club history with 259. The Seattle Reign has announced the departure of key players like Quinn, Tziarra King, and Nikki Stanton.
This likely means Seattle is doing what it can to keep Barnes at the club, or Barnes might be deciding if she still wants to play or retire. It’s all speculation, but the fact that there hasn’t been a farewell for Lauren Barnes yet means she’s likely staying in Seattle. But if not, there are bound to be a few NWSL teams who would want a veteran leader like her in the locker room.
Christen Press – Forward
Will we see Christen Press make her return to Angel City FC? It’s a question that Angel City fans have anxiously dealt with since the season ended. Press made her return to the pitch after a two-year layoff and scored a goal this season. It was important for the legend to do that and show that she’s still got it. Now the club has a big decision to make. After giving Press the grace period she needed, having been so patient waiting for her to return to full fitness, could they actually let her go?
It seems with all the investment they’ve given Press, and how they essentially built the franchise around her, they can’t possibly let her go. In all likelihood, she will return to LA, but some NWSL teams would be thrilled to add her if she becomes available.
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