The worst kept secret in women’s football has been confirmed with Gotham FC revealing they have signed Matildas super striker Sam Kerr on a four year deal.
The 32-year-old is no stranger to the American NWSL – playing at Sky Blue FC (now Gotham) from 2015-17 as well as stints at Western New York Flash and the Chicago Red Stars.
News of Kerr’s imminent move from English WSL side Chelsea to the NWSL was first reported back in April – although rumours of her singing with expansion side Denver Summit were quickly replaced with reports she was moving to Gotham.
The club officially confirmed the move on Monday morning (USA).
“I’m incredibly excited to return to Gotham FC and to this city,” Kerr said.
“This club was an important part of my journey, and to come back at this moment, with everything Gotham has built, is really special.
“The ambition here is clear, and I’m looking forward to helping this team compete for trophies and create more history.”
Gotham FC won the league last season and currently sit sixth with six wins from 11 games.
No details have been revealed about Kerr’s contract, other than it lasting until 2030.
As Kerr’s contract at Chelsea, a club she won 11 major titles with during her six year tenure, Gotham escaped paying a transfer fee.
The NWSL does have a salary cap but the High Impact Player rule allows a club to spend up to $1 million above the standard salary cap to sign or retain elite talent.
Gotham FC president of soccer operations Yael Averbuch West described Kerr as one of the defining players of her generation.
“A game-changing talent who has consistently delivered at the highest levels of world football,” she said.
“Her winning mentality, relentless competitiveness and ability to decide matches in an instant make her one of the most impactful players in the game.
“Bringing Sam back to Gotham is a landmark moment for our club, and we couldn’t be more excited.”
Before Kerr’s career exploded in England she lit up the NWSL.
In her 2017 season with Sky Blue FC she set a new NWSL record with 17 goals, won the golden boot and was named the NWSL most valuable player.
At the Red Stars in 2019 she scored 18 goals to win the golden boot for a third time and became the first player to win the NWSL MVP twice.
Kerr has already relocated to New York sharing images on her social media accounts of her and wife Kristie Mewis and son Jagger saying goodbye to their London apartment.
Social media videos show Kerr in New York.
Her wife Mewis, is American and played for the USA women’s national team. Mewis also played for Gotham FC helping the team win the championship in 2023.