Freya Godfrey leaves Arsenal | OneFootball

Freya Godfrey has completed a permanent move to London City Lionesses, ending an eight-year spell at Arsenal that began when she joined the club’s academy at the age of 12.

Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

The 20-year-old forward made her senior Arsenal debut in May 2023 as a late substitute in the Women’s Super League win over Brighton & Hove Albion and featured in the UEFA Women’s Champions League against Valerenga the following December.

She leaves with three senior appearances for Arsenal but an increasingly growing reputation after loan spells with Ipswich Town, Charlton Athletic and London City Lionesses.

Godfrey spent the second half of last season on loan with London City, where she made eight appearances, provided three assists and helped the team secure promotion to the Women’s Super League.

Her impact convinced head coach Jocelyn Prêcheur to make her signing a priority. “Signing Freya was a priority for me. I strongly believe in her. Her maturity for such a young player, her talent, her speed and her state of mind she has shown since she arrived convinced me she has everything to become one of the best strikers in England.

“I feel honoured that she chose to keep developing with us and we will work hard to bring her to the top, where she has the capacity to go. She is a wonderful signing, and I can’t wait to start training with her.”

For Godfrey, the decision was straightforward. “To be honest, I’m just over the moon. I think last season was a great experience for me and it is definitely something I want to continue with, so I am very happy to be back.

“The last game of last season was the highlight of my career, it was such a tough game, and we fought so hard, and that made the result 10 times better. The joy and relief at the end was insane.

“This season is about showing everyone what we’re about, obviously we’ve made some big statement signings, it shows how ambitious the club is. I’m excited to get into the WSL.

“We want to compete for the top spaces, for the top leagues, the top competitions. I personally want to be a part of it, that’s why I decided to stay, and I’m really looking forward to it. The fans are incredible. They definitely got us through some tough games. Blackburn at home for example, obviously the final day. They were so loud, they were always showing their love, and we really appreciated it.

“London City are such an ambitious club, the people, the players, the staff, the fans: everyone made me feel so loved and that feeling is untouchable really. I really enjoyed my time here last season, how could I say no?”

Godfrey, who has represented England at every youth level from under-14s to under-23s, follows former Arsenal teammate Teyah Goldie in making the switch to South London this summer.

Arsenal, in their statement confirming the move, thanked her for her contribution to the club and wished her success in the next stage of her career.