Western United’s Kahli Johnson signs with Calgary Wild in Canadia’s first women’s domestic league

Western United star and leading league goalscorer Kahli Johnson has signed a deal with a new overseas women’s league.

A new overseas league promising more than double the A-League Women’s players wage has snapped up one of Australia’s rising stars with Western United’s Kahli Johnson making the move to Calgary Wild.

Johnson has been flying in the ALW – her eight goals from 17 games putting her equal top of the golden boot race with Emily Gielnik.

The 21-year-old is a foundation player for Western United – joining as an 18-year-old when the side started in the league. She has scored 13 goals from her 47 appearances.

United confirmed on Tuesday that Johnson had signed with Canadian outfit the Wild for an undisclosed fee.

It is the first time United have collected a transfer fee for a women’s player.

The Northern Super League is Canada’s first professional women’s league and is due to kick off on April 16. Players minimum wage, set at $55,000 (AUD) is double that of ALW players.

Kahli Johnson is making the move to Canada. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

The competition will feature six teams that will each play 25 regular season matches.

It will be a tough competition with Canadian national team player and Olympic gold medallist Quinn set to play for Vancouver Rise.

Going into the season Professional Footballers’ Australia warned the ALW risked being gutted unless the APL was able to match the huge growth of overseas women’s leagues.

ALW players are currently paid for just nine months of the year, for a minimum of $25,750 – with 62 per cent of players forced to have a second job to keep the bills paid.

Last off-season ALW stars Kaitlyn Torpey, Cortnee Vine, Macey Fraser, Cannon Clough and Charlotte McLean all departed the ALW for contracts in the American domestic leagues.

Johnson’s departure will be a big loss for Western United who sit fourth on the ALW ladder.

But the club was supportive of the striker chasing her dreams.

Johnson said she was excited to take the next step in her career.

“I’m so grateful for the time I’ve spent here and have some great memories, but equally I’m sad to be leaving during a season,” she said.

“I’m very excited for this next chapter, I feel like my time at Western has set me up to take this next step and I’m keen to learn and grow as a player and a person.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to all the fans who have watched and supported Western during my time here. They have been incredible and played an important part in this team’s success over the last three years. I would love the chance to say goodbye to them on Saturday.”

Johnson has been a foundation player for Western United. Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty Images

Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato said Johnson was one of many success stories in the ALW.

“Aside from her talent and contributions on the pitch, Kahli has been a highly valued member of our family and has played a key role in building the history of our football club,” Impiombato said.

“We know that the sky is the limit for Kahli and we can’t wait to continue supporting her from afar as she reaches her goals.

“On behalf of everyone at Western United, I wish to congratulate Kahli on her time at the Club and wish her every success in the future.”

Johnson will run out in the green and black for one last time on Saturday night against rival Melbourne Victory.

Originally published as Western United’s Kahli Johnson signs with Calgary Wild in Canadia’s first women’s domestic league