Arsenal defender Nighswonger joins Bay FC | OneFootball

Arsenal defender Jenna Nighswonger has joined Bay FC on a permanent deal.

The American National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club announced the news via a post on their official club website this afternoon.

Nighswonger has signed a three-year deal with Bay FC while Arsenal have received an undisclosed fee for the player’s services.

The 25-year-old full-back returns to her native United States after spending the last 18 months playing her football in England. Nighswonger made six appearances in all competitions for Arsenal, winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League with the club in 2024/2025. The defender spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa where she made eight appearances in the Barclays Women’s Super League.

Nighswonger has endured a challenging time in England and she is now looking forward to returning to familiar surroundings in the NWSL.

After joining Bay FC, Nighswonger said “I’m really excited to return to the NWSL and begin this next chapter with Bay FC. I have a lot of confidence in what this group can accomplish moving forward, and I’m ready to get to work and help the team compete.”

Prior to her move to Arsenal, Nighswonger turned out for LA Galaxy OC and Gotham FC in the American game.