Portland Thorns announced on Wednesday that the club’s captain, Sam Coffey, is leaving the Rose City to head to Manchester City. The terms of her deal are undisclosed, however there have been multiple reports, confirming the final base rate being $875,000 with potential add-ons.
“While the Thorns organization did everything it could to keep Sam in Portland, we thought it was important to support her ambitions while we continue building a team capable of competing for championships,” said President
and General Manager of Soccer Operations Jeff Agoos. “We are grateful for her contributions and wish her success as she pursues her next opportunity.”
Coffey became pivotal for the team’s leadership and engine on the field. She leaves Portland after becoming one of the most accomplished players. Regarding the team’s accolades, the midfielder helped to win the 2022 Championship. Individually, she was selected as part of the NWSL’s best XI in 2022, 2023 and 2025. Additionally, she was nominated for the 2022 Rookie of the Year.
Internationally, she has become the Emma Hayes’ unquestioned starter at the six for the USWNT. Coffey was a key and integral part of the Gold Medal run at the 2024 Paris Olympics and looks to be on the way to her first FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance in 2027.
Following Coffey’s departure, the Thorns’ roster remains as follows:
Goalkeepers (3): Mackenzie Arnold (INTL), Bella Bixby, Morgan Messner
Defenders (7): Sam Hiatt, Mallie McKenzie, Marie Müller (INTL – SEI), Isabella Obaze (INTL), Jayden Perry, Reyna Reyes, M.A. Vignola
Midfielders (4): Deyna Castellanos, Jessie Fleming (INTL), Shae Harvey, Olivia Moultrie
Forwards (10): Mimi Alidou (INTL), Julie Dufour (INTL – SEI), Caiya Hanks (SEI), Valerin Loboa (INTL), Maddie Padelski, Alexa Spaanstra, Pietra Tordin, Reilyn Turner, Morgan Weaver (SEI), Sophia Wilson (ML)
