Jan 15, 2026
3 min read
Manchester City have signed US midfielder Sam Coffey from Portland Ships in three and a half months.
Manchester City signed American midfielder Coffey
Manchester City have signed American midfielder Sam Coffey from the Portland Thorns on a three-and-a-half-year deal.
City paid an $800,000 (£600,000) fee for Coffey, who spent four years at the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) club.
The 27-year-old had been a target of City for several months after the club made a request in the summer but it was rejected.
"The city really stood out from the start. First of all [it was] the style of play, and when I look at the team, the girls seem happy, close and connected," Coffey said.
"I think I'm in a time of my business where I am ready and study as a business.
"It's official, I'm here, it's all real and what's happening is so exciting and I couldn't be more ready and happy about it."
Widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, Coffey made 42 appearances for the United States national team.
She played nearly 100 games for the Portland Thorns and helped them win the 2022 NWSL title.
The midfielder is also part of the US team, coached by former Chelsea coach Emma Hayes, who won gold at the 2024 Olympics.
Title hopes show ambition – analysis
They are six points clear of Manchester City at the top of the WSL table and are in the process of winning their first league title in 10 years.
Chelsea have stymied them for the past six years, but City have stepped up their game in this campaign under manager Andre Jaegerec.
Director of Women's Football Therese Sjogran has made a big impact since joining the club in 2024 and they have shown ambition in the transfer window.
As a result, City's squad has depth in quality and Coffey is the latest in a line of big-name players.
The American star has been chased by several WSL clubs in recent years, with City having to compete for his signature and the Thorns facing multiple bids.
It will provide options in midfield, notably with Japan international Yui Hasegawa joining his national team for the Asian Cup, which takes place in March.
Gigglertz is building a team that can not only win the UEFA Women's Champions League, but also compete in the UEFA Women's Champions League next season - and Kofi will be crucial to that.
Ben Haines, Ellen White and Jen Beattie return for a second season on the Women's Football Weekly podcast.New episodes premiere on Sounds every Tuesday, and the weekly women's football feed includes interviews and bonus content from the Women's Super League and beyond.
