Gotham FC brings in Norwegian international winger Guro Reiten | OneFootball

Just when everyone assumed the roster was set in stone, NJ/NY Gotham FC made a splash on the eve of the NWSL regular season in signing Norwegian winger Guro Reiten from Chelsea F.C. Women of the WSL in England. She will wear the number 18 shirt for the club. The move now means the club is at the 26-player maximum for the active roster. With Taryn Torres still on the SEI list, another outgoing move must be made if and when she is reactivated later this year.

The 31-year-old joins initially on loan through July when her Chelsea contract expires. Upon the completion of this loan, a new permanent contract will come into effect, keeping her at the club through 2029.

Guro Reiten joins Gotham FC and should fit in well

Reiten joins Gotham FC after an incredibly successful six-and-a-half-year stint with the London giants, which included six league titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, and two appearances in the PFA Team of the Year. She also has 108 caps and 21 goals for the Norwegian national team.

The forward expressed her excitement about joining the team. “I’m really excited to join Gotham FC and grateful for the opportunity to be part of this club,” said Reiten. “Gotham has built something special over the past few years, and there's clear ambition here. I’m looking forward to working hard, learning and doing everything I can to help the team succeed.”

“Guro is a player of exceptional quality who has consistently performed at the highest levels of the game,” said Yael Averbuch West, the general manager and head of soccer operations for Gotham FC. “Her experience competing for major trophies with Chelsea and her impact with the Norwegian national team will bring valuable leadership and attacking creativity to our squad. We’re excited to welcome her to Gotham.”

This is maybe the most straightforward fit for any of Gotham's new signings this offseason. Reiten should slide in at the left-wing position when she is available for selection. There will still be competition for that spot from players like Jaedyn Shaw, Sarah Schupansky, and Jordynn Dudley, but this is where Reiten has seen almost all of her success as a player with both Chelsea and Norway.

The forward has had a bit of a tough time in England in recent years, missing time due to injury and also being passed on the depth chart by Alyssa Thompson. There is, however, plenty to be optimistic about. A new environment with a different coaching staff and a new set of teammates could be a good thing for Reiten to help rediscover her form.

And given Gotham has options at left-wing and tons of games to be played, Reiten will have time to grow into the squad and get up to speed at a pace that is hopefully going to be more conducive and beneficial to her eventually finding success.

This is overall a very ambitious signing and should be a successful one for Gotham FC. While they already had plenty of world-class forwards, their packed schedule combined with their issues in front of the goal last season should mean Reiten will end up playing a big role in this team's success.