Arsenal among suitors for Matildas star Steph Catley
Matilda’s vice-captain Steph Catley could join the Aussie exodus to England’s Super League next season as one of world football’s giant clubs ramps up their interest in the defender.
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Matilda’s vice-captain Steph Catley admitted that she could join the Aussie exodus to England’s Super League next season.
World football giants Arsenal – who just signed Matildas star Caitlin Foord and are coached by Aussie Joe Montemurro - are understood to have submitted a formal offer for Catley, 26, who has attracted interest from at least one other English club.
Catley, the Melbourne City skipper and one of the best left backs in the world, said that the lure of Europe was tempting after six years of twin W-League and US contracts.
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Refusing to confirm which clubs were interested, Catley admitted that England beckoned.
“I’ll more than likely be in Europe the next transfer window. I haven’t signed anything, just been talking. England’s where I’m looking,” Catley told the Herald-Sun.
“I’m still in negotiations. I was talking to my American club recently, genuinely I feel like it’s time for me (to try Europe).
“We’ve all been watching the English league in particular the last few years – where it’s at, how it’s developing. It is really starting to take off. There’s a fair few teams that are competitive, the environments are great.
“It’s the most passionate place for just pure football. But you look at the other European teams at the World Cup and the type of football they played, how smart, technical they were, that’s where the game should be going, rather than the transitional style that women’s football has been in the past.”
Sam Kerr’s mega Chelsea move has headlined a host of English moves this season, with fellow Matildas stars Caitlin Foord (Arsenal), Hayley Raso (Everton) and Chloe Logarzo (Bristol City) joining in coming weeks.
Jacynta Galabadaarachchi joined West Ham at the start of the season, while fellow rising star Mary Fowler has just inked a deal with French club Montpellier.
Winger Emily Gielnik moved from Melbourne Victory to German powerhouse Bayern Munich at the start of the season.
Catley, who most recently played for Reign FC in the US, said the quality of the Europeans at the 2019 World Cup and the ability to play for one club a season was a massive drawcard.
“Most of us have been there (in the US) for six years (plus). A lot of girls will still be going back,” she said.