Released Arsenal 21yo signs deal with new club | OneFootball

Teyah Goldie, one of the most promising young defenders to come through Arsenal’s academy in recent years, has completed a permanent move to London City Lionesses following the expiry of her contract in north London.

The 21-year-old had long been expected to make the switch after an outstanding loan spell in the capital last season, during which she made 24 appearances, scored against Portsmouth, and played a key role in London City’s successful push for promotion to the Women’s Super League.

Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Goldie was named the club’s Young Player of the Season and picked up individual honours against Durham and Charlton, underlining her influence as London City clinched the Championship title.

Goldie’s departure from Arsenal, announced before the end of last season, ended a decade-long association with the club. She had joined the Gunners’ academy as a child and made her senior debut at 17, but serious injury and competition for places limited her opportunities in the first team.

A previous loan at Watford in the Championship had offered valuable experience, but it was at London City where her career truly reignited.

“I’m delighted to be back to be honest, it feels like a long time coming, but I’m so excited to be here,” Goldie said following confirmation of her move. “Winning the league was unbelievable, I think when I joined, I didn’t even think of it being a possibility.

“I learnt to continue being resilient, it wasn’t an easy season at times, but to work well with those around me, we really had to create good relationships on and off the pitch, and everyone proved their worth.

“It’s evident how ambitious the club is, it’s one of the main things that makes me happy to sign here and excited for the future.

“I want to play as much as possible and get as much experience as I can in the WSL. I want to prove that I can compete at that level.

“Very quickly it felt like home, last season was amazing for so many reasons, and I didn’t want to leave.”

Jocelyn Prêcheur, who oversaw London City’s promotion campaign, spoke highly of Goldie’s progress and character.

“Teyah impressed me last season, she came back from two seasons without playing with such motivation,” Prêcheur said. “She worked very hard to come back to her level and even keep improving. Step by step, she proved herself in our team and with the England U23’s too, where she is the captain now.

“Last season she became such an important player. Her capacity to work hard, fight on the pitch, her professionalism and the way she evolved convinced everyone that we should build the team and the club with players like her.

“I really believe in her and I am more than satisfied that she has signed with us. I feel privileged and I am looking forward to working with her again.”