“Jenna has had a great trajectory in the game, and we’re delighted to bring her to Arsenal,” head coach Renee Slegers said after signing USWNT star defender Jenna Nighswonger. The star defender who was part of the Paris Olympics gold medal-winning squad reportedly signed a $100,000+ contract to take the trip to the other side of the Atlantic.
“I’m so happy to be here,” Nighswonger said after arriving in English to start her Women’s Super League Journey. Now, over a month after joining the long list of players trading the NWSL for the European leagues, Nighswonger has opened up on her decision. The 24-year-old explained why she jumped at the chance while speaking on FRIENDLIES with Sam Mewis.
The American didn’t hesitate to admit that she grew up nurturing a European dream. “I’ve honestly always wanted to go to Europe. I think since I was like eight, I’ve wanted to play Champions League so badly,” confessed Jenna Nighswonger. So as the defender’s play time for her NWSL team Gotham FC dwindled near the end of the 2024 season, the USWNT began looking for options.
So when the Olympic medalist’s agent called her about Arsenal showing interest, she could barely contain herself. “I was like through the roof, I was very excited,” explained the former Gotham FC defender. The young soccer player’s excitement only grew after a recruitment call with Renee Slegers and the club’s Head Of Women’s Football, Clare Wheatley.
However, childhood dreams and the wish to play in the Champions League weren’t the only reasons behind the USWNT player joining Arsenal. A desire to learn and play soccer under the European system has been a driving force. “It’s a great step in my career,” confessed Nighswonger and many others who have left the NWSL. Unfortunately, it’s a trend that’s also raised concerns.
The exodus of USWNT stars from the NWSL
Jenna Nighswonger is among the many soccer stars who have moved to European clubs or have shown interest in doing so in the future. Among them were some of the NWSL’s brightest talents, including 2023 league MVP, Kerolin. The former North Carolina Courage star transferred to a Women’s Super League, joining Arsenal’s rival club, Manchester City.
While Kerolin, hailing from Brazil, isn’t part of the US national team, she was still an asset for the NWSL. However, there’s no shortage of high-profile USWNT stars leaving the NWSL. Nighswonger’s fellow defender Naomi Girma signed a historic $1.1 million contract with Chelsea. Yes! The same Chelsea that current US Women’s National Team coach Emma Hayes led to multiple league titles.
Jenna Nighswonger’s former teammate and veteran Crystal Dunn also left Gotham FC. The 32-year-old veteran joined PSG. Yet, despite what may look like a massive talent drain to many, fans may not be as severe as it looks. At least Sam Mewis doesn’t see it that way. “For once in my life, I am not panicking yet,” said Mewis while discussing the departure of talents like Nighswonger.
She explained the allure of the rich history of football the men’s part of the sport has created has also seeped into women’s soccer. Mewis also highlighted how many of the players leaving the NWSL are doing so because they want to explore. Those leaving didn’t necessarily have a compatibility issue. Yet, “I do feel like there are lessons and opportunities for the NWSL to learn from this kind of trend in movement,” said Mewis. What do you think? Let us know your views.
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