Coffey: City stood out from the start | OneFootball

Sam Coffey says she’s honoured to be joining Manchester City and can’t wait to see what the future holds at the Club after completing her move.

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Coffey continues City’s fine US legacy

The distinguished United States international has become Andrée Jeglertz’s first January signing, with the midfielder penning a deal which will keep her at the Joie Stadium until the summer of 2029.

While establishing herself as one of the finest operators in world football, the engine room enforcer helped former employers Portland Thorns to the 2022 NWSL Championship and was voted in the division’s Best XI that same year.

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That success has also translated onto the international stage, winning an Olympic Gold Medal with the US in 2024 and she helped her nation to the SheBelieves Cup and CONCACAF Gold Cup in the same year.

Coffey’s switch to City represents her first move outside her homeland and she says the Blues’ current and future prospects were something she wanted to be a part of.

“I think City really stood out from the get-go,” she explained.

“There are a lot of American players who have moved abroad and looked to play in some different teams in Europe.

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“There was a lot I loved about City, first and foremost the style of play, the style of football we play. When I watch the team play, the girls look and seem happy and they seem so close and connected.

“As an outsider looking in, that is something I immediately notice and something I want to be a part of. I was fortunate to play in Thorns teams that were the same way.

“Being on a team and part of a culture that is so strong and healthy I think determines so much success on the field and that’s what is being seen this season with the team doing so well.

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“It’s a club with so much history, so much success, so much influence in the city. Manchester is not a place I’ve been before, but there as something about it I felt I was led to and called to.

“It felt like the right, bold move to make and it was kind of like stepping out in faith and trusting the process. I think it’s also a place that just has proven its investment in women’s soccer and being a part of this movement that is going on.

“Seeing the facilities and the support the team gets and all the efforts they are putting in for the women’s side is such a huge and positive side and something I’m honoured to be a part of.”

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Coffey’s City shirt number confirmed

After signing a professional contract with Portland Thorns in 2022, she made 82 appearances across her first three seasons in the WSL before being named captain ahead of the 2025 campaign.

Coffey wore the armband with distinction, leading the team with committed, combative and intelligent performances which helped them to the NWSL Play-Off semi-finals and earned her a spot in the Best XI that season.

And after continuing her rapid, individual progression in 2025, she says the environment at City will allow her to keep on improving.

She added: “It’s surreal. I feel like it’s just been such a long time coming and something I’ve dreamed of happening for, what feels like, a really long time now.

“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.

“It obviously wasn’t an easy decision to make but I think I’m at a place in my career where I feel ready and settled in as a pro. It feels like the right time to really challenge myself in this way.

“Everything I’m leaving behind in Portland was so hard to say goodbye to and it really broke my heart to have to do that, but it ultimately felt like the right move and decision for my growth.

“At the end of the day, that is why I play – it’s to be the best football player I can possibly be. The timing just felt right, getting to finish the season and year with the Thorns then get to embark on this new adventure.

“It felt like the pieces were falling into place and this is where I was meant to be.”