Angel City FC acquire midfielder Nealy Martin in trade with NJ/NY Gotham FC

After seeing several players depart, Angel City FC today announced they have brought in some help in the middle of the pitch. The club announced today they have acquired midfielder Nealy Martin through trade with NJ/NY Gotham FC. Angel City will be sending $85k in intra-league transfer funds to the East Coast side in exchange for the midfielder’s services.

Welcome to LA, Nealy!
📰 #AngelCityFC has acquired midfielder Nealy Martin through a trade with NJ/NY Gotham FC. In exchange, Gotham will receive $85,000 in intra-league transfer funds.
Today’s roster update: https://t.co/0DVAOZHZHH pic.twitter.com/QTqQGvC26j

— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) September 9, 2025

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to join Angel City,” said Martin in a statement. “This club is building something really special, and I am beyond excited to give everything I have to LA. Every time I have played at BMO Stadium, I have been so impressed by the fans and atmosphere, so I look forward to experiencing it as an Angel City player.”

We are very happy to welcome Nealy to Angel City,” said ACFC Sporting Director Mark Parsons said in a statement on the deal. “Nealy is a NWSL champion and brings great character and leadership to our team. Nealy’s quality on the ball, ability to dictate play, and relentless work defensively will be important contributions to our style of play. We are looking forward to her joining Alex and the squad.’’

Martin arrived in the NWSL in 2021, earning her spot with Racing Louisville after an open tryout. She made 18 appearances in the club’s inaugural season, and added another 11 appearances for them in 2022. She joined Gotham FC in 2023, becoming a consistent presence in the midfield for the club, starting 13 of her 15 appearances. Martin also made some history, becoming the first field player to step in as goalkeeper during an NWSL playoff match, helping Gotham secure the 2023 NWSL Championship. Midfield has been a bit of a revolving door that has lacked some real depth, for Angel City, so the acquisition of Martin can hopefully add to what has been some more consistent play from the position group under new head coach Alex Straus.

Thoughts on the arrival of Nealy Martin? Leave a comment below!