Contracting issue appears to have put a stop on Michelle Heyman’s move to English club West Ham
A leaked photo appeared to have revealed that Matildas’ forward Michelle Heyman may be departing the women’s A-League headed overseas, but a contracting issue appears to have scuppered any plans. ERIN SMITH reports.
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A contracting issue is believed to have put a stopper in Matildas super striker Michelle Heyman’s move to West Ham United - giving A-League fans and clubs new hope.
The off-contract super striker has had every A-Leagues’ club scrambling for her signituare ahead of the 2024/25 season.
A piece of digital marketing material handed out by English WSL side West Ham at a fan event in Perth as part of their preseason tour showed an image of Heyman in a Hammers’ jersey alongside close friend and Matildas’ team mate Katrina Gorry who joined the club last season.
West Ham are yet to make an announcement and the photo has now been amended to not feature Heyman.
Heyman’s management team was contacted but said it wasn’t able to comment.
But it is understood the move is not happening and reportedly fell through when an agreement couldn’t be reached over the length of the contract.
Michelle Heyman to Westham?? pic.twitter.com/sboxF9K3uT
— Laura (@awfclaurab) August 30, 2024
It has given new hope to A-Leagues’ clubs still fighting to secure Heyman’s signiture.
The 36-year-old’s career was given a life raft when she was recalled into the Matildas squad in February to replace injured striker Sam Kerr.
It came off the back of a hard to ignore A-League’s Women’s season with Canberra United - scoring 17 goals and seven assists across 22 matches - winning the league’s golden boot award.
An impressive feat considering Canberra finished at the bottom of the league ladder last season.
Heyman continued to impress on the field in the green and gold scoring several crucial goals in the lead up to the Matildas Olympic campaign and again in France.
Her incredible form has made her a hot commodity - especially in the A-Leagues.
Going into the Olympics, Heyman said she had “been chatting to clubs, all over, everywhere” but wanted to wait until after the Games to make her final decision.
The WSL transfer window closed on September 13.
A-Leagues contracts can be signed still for several months.
Many A-League stars have made the move overseas this off season- including Matilda’s winger Cortnee Vine- moving from Sydney FC to The American league.
The exodus has left many clubs without a striker- adding to Heyman’s appeal. Brisbane Roar’s striker Mia Corbin has returned to the USA.
They have signed Bulgarian forward Evdokiya Popadiynova but still have room for a second. Central Coast Mariners will be without Kyah Simon.
Melbourne City has been hit hardest losing attackers Hannah Wilkinson, Emina Ekic, Daniela Galic and Julia Grosso.
Melbourne Victory are yet to announce a replacement for their striker Kurea Okino.
While Sarina Bolden, who finished second behind Heyman in the golden boot count, has left Newcastle Jets to take up an opportunity in Italy.
Attacker Millie Farrow has made the move from Glory to Sydney FC and the Perth team are yet to name an experienced striker. The A-Leagues Women’s competition is due to kick off on November 2.
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Originally published as Contracting issue appears to have put a stop on Michelle Heyman’s move to English club West Ham
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