The San Diego Wave continued their international push on Tuesday, acquiring a young Brit to help shore up their midfield.
The club landed Laila Harbert on a permanent transfer from Arsenal F.C.; she will be under contract through the 2029 season.
Harbert grew up in Arsenal’s academy system, joining at age 9 and signing her first pro contract a year ago. The 19-year-old was loaned to Everton, where she spent the second half of the Women’s Super League Season.
Harbert also played five matches on loan with the NWSL’s Portland Thorns late last season. (She was not on the active roster last November, when the Thorns eliminated the Wave from the NWSL playoffs.)
“We’re really excited to welcome Laila to San Diego. She’s an exciting young talent with exceptional technical quality, vision, and composure under pressure,” said Wave sporting director and general manager Camille Ashton. “We look forward to supporting her continued development and seeing the impact she will make with this team this season and for years to come.”
The San Diego Wave have signed midfielder Laila Harbert to a contract through 2029. (San Diego Wave FC)
Harbert started every match for England’s U-19 team as it locked up a spot in the U-20 Women’s World Cup. She also captained her country’s U-17 team to a championship final.
Her arrival comes at an ideal time. The Wave (9-6-2) have slipped from first place to fourth heading into Sunday’s road match against the Washington Spirit. The club is still awaiting the debut of Catarina Macario, who signed the richest contract in league history, and has struggled to replace leading scorer Dudinha since she went down with a knee injury.
Harbert is the lone Brit on the Wave’s largely international roster. The team also includes players representing Colombia, Brazil, France, Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Philippines, Canada, Spain and Jamaica.