Coffey bolsters Man City midfield for WSL title push

Manchester City have announced the signing of Sam Coffey from the Portland Thorns.

Coffey has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with the Women’s Super League side after a reported $800,000 (£600,000) move from the United States.

The midfielder captained the Thorns to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) playoff semi-finals last season, where they lost 2-0 to the Washington Spirit.

Coffey played the third-most minutes of any midfielder in the league last term (2,432), winning the sixth-most tackles (46), sixth-most duels and completing fifth-most passes (990) among players in her position.

The 27-year-old also directly contributed to six goals (two goals, four assists) in the 2025 season, her best output since registering eight assists in the 2023 campaign.

Along with helping the Thorns win the 2022 NWSL title, Coffey has also made 42 appearances for the United States Women’s National Team and was part of Emma Hayes’ gold-medal-winning team at the 2024 Olympic Games.

“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.

Welcome to Manchester, Sam! pic.twitter.com/fQ4ZFxqzfH

— Manchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) January 14, 2026

“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.”

City are six points clear at the top of the WSL after winning all 11 games since their defeat to holders Chelsea on the opening day.

They face Bournemouth in the FA Cup this weekend before a League Cup semi-final against Chelsea next week.