Sam Kerr returns to NWSL in blockbuster move to Gotham FC from Chelsea | OneFootball

NWSL side Gotham FC have announced the signing of Matildas legend Sam Kerr. The Australian superstar has signed on a free transfer from Chelsea on a deal that will take her through until the end of the 2030 season. 

Kerr departs Chelsea after six-and-a-half years as their joint highest goalscorer on 116 goals, alongside Fran Kirby.

During her time in London, Kerr helped the Blues to five Women’s Super League titles, three FA Cups and three League Cups.

Among a host of personal accolades, Kerr counts two WSL Golden Boots in 2020/21 and 2021/22 and the WSL Player of the Season for 2021/22. She also won three consecutive NSWL Golden Boots from 2017-2019 during a previous spell in the US top flight.

Kerr will be returning to familiar surroundings with her Stateside move to Gotham. The striker previously played for the club between 2015 and 2017, when they were known as Sky Blue FC.

In her three seasons with the US side, Kerr notched 28 goals in 40 appearances and still sits third on their list of all-time highest scorers.

In 2018, Kerr was involved in a trade that saw her leave New Jersey and head to Chicago Red Stars, where she scored 35 times in 43 games. Her 2018 season tally of 18 goals stood as a single-season scoring record, until KC Current’s Temwa Chawinga surpassed it with 21 goals in the 2024 season.

Sam Kerr’s lasting legacy in the NWSL

Despite leaving the United States in January 2020, Kerr still holds the record as the all-time leading scorer in the regular NWSL season on 77 goals.

The Australian is clearly eager to add more silverware to an already impressive haul.

“I’m incredibly excited to return to Gotham FC and to this city,” said Kerr. “This club was an important part of my journey, and to come back at this moment, with everything Gotham has built, is really special. The ambition here is clear, and I’m looking forward to helping this team compete for trophies and create more history.”

Kerr will link up with former Chelsea teammates Ann-Katrin Berger, Jess Carter and Guro Reiten upon her arrival.

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