Matildas signing tracker: Emily Gielnik returns to Melbourne Victory, Clare Hunt joins PSG, Kyra Cooney-Cross signs with Arsenal

The number of Matildas playing in Australia continues to grow with another star return to the A-League. KEEP UP WITH ALL THE SIGNING NEWS

Matildas star Kyra Cooney-Cross has signed on with Arsenal. Picture: Getty Images

Another Matildas star will play a starring role in the Liberty A-League with striker Emily Gielnik joining Melbourne Victory.

Gielnik, who has 54 caps for the Matildas, injured her ankle in March – causing her to miss selection in the Women’s World Cup squad and also lose her contract at English WSL side Aston Villa.

The striker was named in the extended World Cup squad – but was axed along with Chloe Logarzo, making way for Kyah Simon.

The 31-year-old is the latest Matilda to join the top-flight domestic competition in Australia and will be playing alongside national teammate Elise Kellond-Knight – who also missed the World Cup with an injury — and goalkeeper Lydia Williams.

Other Aussie stars in the women’s competition include Cortnee Vine (Sydney FC), Tameka Yallop (Brisbane Roar) and injured midfielder Chloe Logarzo (Western United).

Another Matilda comes home 🤩

Melbourne Victory is pleased to announce the signing of forward Emily Gielnik for the 2023/24 @aleaguewomen season.

Excited to have you back, @EGielnik 👋

Join the movement 👉 https://t.co/zk3BXjX8pt

— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) September 22, 2023

Gielnik is no stranger to the women’s league having won the 2018-2019 premiership with Victory and previously playing for Brisbane Roar on two separate occasions.

“I’m excited to be back at Victory and working with Jeff (Hopkins) and the team for the upcoming season and I can’t wait to get started,” Gielnik said.

“I had a great experience during my first stint at the club, winning Victory’s first premiership in the A-League Women’s competition, and I’m looking forward to achieving more success with the squad this season.

“Jeff and the team have created a formidable environment over the past couple of seasons and I want to contribute to that the best I can by scoring goals and lifting trophies with the team.”

Emily Gielnik is returning to Australia with Melbourne Victory. Picture: Getty Images

The super shooter will bring a wealth of experience to Victory this season having played at Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Vittsjo GK, Urawa Red Diamonds, Avadnsnes IL and of course Villa.

Something coach Hopkins is pleased about.

“We’re incredibly excited to have Emily back at Melbourne Victory,” Hopkins said.

“It’s wonderful to have a player of her calibre return to the league and join our squad for the upcoming season and we know she will be an important contributor with her experience and guile in front of goal.

“Her career at domestic and international level speaks for itself and we’re looking forward to seeing what she can produce back in the A-League Women’s competition.”

Gielnik is the ninth new signing for Victory this season – joining Williams, McKenzie Weinert, Tori Hansen, Rachel Lowe, Emma Checker, Jamilla Rankin, Kurea Okino and Ella O’Grady.

Victory will launch their season against Brisbane Roar on October 15.

RAPID RISE: HUNT SEALS DREAM EUROPEAN MOVE

What a year 2023 has been for Clare Hunt – national team call-up, elevated to the starting squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and signing a three-year deal with powerhouse football club PSG.

Hunt had previously played for Canberra United and Western Sydney Wanderers in the A-League Women’s competition.

The 24-year-old had a rapid rise this year after being called into the Matildas squad by Tony Gustavsson in February.

Hunt went on to play a starring role for the Australian side at the FIFA Women’s World Cup playing in all seven matches.

During the tournament Hunt declared she wanted to take her career to the next level and play overseas. A move to Everton had seen most likely after she spent some time training with the club prior to the World Cup.

Instead she has signed on with PSG until 2026. Joining fellow defender Ellie Carpenter (Lyon) in the French league.

“I’ve had this as a goal of mine to play professionally overseas and to make the move to a big club, which I know will develop my footballing future,” Hunt told PSG’s website.

🔴 #WelcomeClare 🔵 pic.twitter.com/dfJtQHjGQZ

— PSG Féminines (@PSG_Feminines) September 15, 2023

She is the second Matildas star to make a big move after the World Cup with Kyra Cooney-Cross signing with Arsenal.

It seems Charli Grant, who was rumoured to be joining Aston Villa, is staying put at Swedish club Vittsjö GIK with the WSL transfer window closing yesterday morning (AEST) and no announcement being made.

English keeper Mary Earps wasn’t released from Manchester United meaning Mackenzie Arnold will remain at West Ham.

There are 11 Matildas players starring in the English WSL competition – including Sam Kerr at Chelsea and Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley at Arsenal.

Alex Chidiac has moved from US club Racing Louisville to Mexican club Tigres UANL on a loan deal for the remainder of the season.

Hunt won’t be the only new face at the club with PSG also signing Nigerian defender Nicole Payne and France’s Aissatou Tounkara from Manchester United.

The rising star could get her first start with the new club as early as Monday morning with PSG playing Bordeaux at 5am (AEST).

Matildas defender Clare Hunt has enjoyed a stellar year in 2023. Picture: AFP

COONEY-CROSS JOINS ARSENAL IN DEADLINE DAY COUP

English giants Arsenal secured the hottest commodity in women’s football in a last minute deadline day deal with Matildas hero Kyra Cooney-Cross signing on the dotted line with hours to spare.

Cooney-Cross, 21, was a standout for the Matildas at the World Cup — stunning everyone with her composure, tactical skills and all-round football ability.

While currently contracted to Hammarby FC in Sweden the young Aussie was reportedly being chased by some of the world’s biggest clubs including Chelsea, Lyon and Manchester United.

It is a major coup for Arsenal who now have fellow Matildas’ Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord in their ranks.

Kyra Cooney-Cross is off to England after signing with Arsenal. Picture: Getty Images

Cooney-Cross reportedly flew to London for a medical yesterday — right as the transfer deadline loomed with the club confirming this morning (AEST) that the star was joining the Gunners.

Cooney-Cross was contracted to Hammarby until January but the club confirmed they had agreed for her to join Arsenal for the start of the WSL season next month.

A statement published on the club’s website said it was the club’s biggest player sale to date.

The Evening Standard reported the deal was worth $271,000 AUD.

The Queenslander, who got her start with Melbourne Victory said she was “excited” to join the club.

“Arsenal just felt right as soon as I heard about the interest,” Cooney-Cross said.

“I’m really looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at Emirates Stadium in front of a big crowd for our first game there this season. I can’t wait to get started and help us achieve something big together.”

North London’s 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 arrival 😉❤️ pic.twitter.com/G0vYDhQ3G1

— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) September 14, 2023

Head coach Jonas Eidevall described Cooney-Cross as one of the best young players in the world.

“Her passing ability and explosiveness allow her to affect games in a way you rarely see from such a young player, so we firmly believe she will be an excellent addition to our midfield now and in the future.”

The women’s WSL season kicks off on October 1.

Arsenal will play Liverpool — putting Cooney-Cross, Catley and Foord up against fellow Matildas’ goalkeeper Tegan Micah.

Originally published as Matildas signing tracker: Emily Gielnik returns to Melbourne Victory, Clare Hunt joins PSG, Kyra Cooney-Cross signs with Arsenal