Matildas scramble for solutions as star players depart clubs before tournament
One of three Matildas who remain without a club just months out from the Asia Cup has a decision to make after fielding offers from across Europe. ERIN SMITH with the details.
An insider has revealed that clubless Matildas’ player Kaitlyn Torpey is fielding offers from multiple clubs including the WSL and French leagues.
Torpey is one of three Matildas clubless just months out from the Asian Cup after being released by American club Portland Thorns.
Attacking duo Amy Sayer and Remy Siemsen have both departed Swedish league side Kristianstads DFF.
Torpey, 24, made history last year when she set an undisclosed record transfer fee for her move from A-League club Melbourne City to San Diego Wave.
She had a great season with Portland Thorns who progressed to the semi-finals this season.
With the league over for the year Torpey is looking to join a league that will give her game time in the lead up to the Asian Cup as she fights to lock in her spot in Joe Montemurro’s squad for the tournament.
Code Sports understands Torpey has had significant interest from several European leagues and has met with several clubs. It is understood she has had offers from mid-lower WSL teams and interest from the top six French sides.
She wouldn’t be the only Aussie in either league with the likes of Sam Kerr, Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord, Alanna Kennedy, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Clare Hunt and Emily van Egmond all playing WSL.
Matildas’ goalkeeper Teagan Micah plays for French side Lyon.
Sayer said she was looking forward to switching off a bit over Christmas after a long two years – which included an ACL rehab, before looking to connect with a European based club next year.
“There’s always the opportunity to train with A-Leagues’ teams but I think Remi and myself are really looking forward to having a break,” Sayer said.
“We’ve been going since January, all the way through to November. Hopefully we can continue on our journey from a smaller club in Sweden to a bigger club in Europe.”
There are several other players who play in the NWSL in America, Swedish league and the newly established Canada league who are now all in lengthy off-seasons.
Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold plays for Portland, and while under contract the season is over and doesn’t start again until March 13. It means Arnold will be coming into the Asian Cup off the back of an off-season and pre-season and possibly just some friendly games.
It isn’t necessarily a bad thing – everyone needs time to rest and recoup.
Kahli Johnson is in a similar situation – she plays for Calgary Wild FC and the season won’t start back up until late March.
Defender Courtney Nevin plays for Malmo FF in the Swedish league. They finished third this season but the league won’t resume until the end of March.
Matildas in most European leagues, including the English WSL and the ALW – will play right up until the tournament.
Those in Europe have a lot of football to play with Champions League and European Cups on top of their domestic league schedules.
More Coverage
Originally published as Matildas scramble for solutions as star players depart clubs before tournament
Matildas legend in tears as Asian Cup dream crushed by fresh injury
