With the Summer Cup now officially over, Angel City FC are free to focus on what really matters, the second half to the NWSL season. The team, despite the tough start to their campaign, sit just three points off the playoff line with players getting healthier, and the team showing some improvement in the inaugural tournament the last few weeks. Not least of all, the team has also welcomed back Christen Press, who has made her triumphant return to the match action for the squad. Now, the team are adding some more talent to the roster as they prepare for the postseason push, with the announcement that the team has signed England Women’s National Team midfielder, Katie Zelem, who comes to Los Angeles on a deal lasting through 2026.
Welcome to LA, Katie!
📝 #AngelCityFC announces that England WNT midfielder Katie Zelem has signed with the club through 2026 via free agency. Zelem, former team captain for Man Utd, joins the club as the first signing of the August transfer window.https://t.co/T4nF5Qx2nH pic.twitter.com/KU2QpNTRA9— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) August 12, 2024
“I’m thrilled to sign for Angel City and take on this exciting new challenge,” said Zelem in a statement. “The opportunity to compete in the NWSL, one of the most competitive leagues in the world, is a huge step in my career. I’m eager to test myself in a new league, against top players whilst contributing to the success of this ambitious club.”
“Katie Zelem is a wonderful addition to our squad at the perfect time,” said ACFC General Manager Angela Hucles Mangano in a statement. “She has honed leadership skills at high levels as the captain of Manchester United, is a skilled midfielder with an elite-level football acumen, and her desire to bring championships to LA was palpable upon first communication. We are excited to welcome her.”
Zelem comes to Los Angeles by way of Free Agency, but last played for Manchester United, where she was captain. She is one of the United originals, joining the club in 2018, the year they were established and began play in the FA WSL. In her time there, she made 161 appearances, scoring 32 goals and tallying 46 assists. Prior to joining United, Katie spent time with Juventus where she helped guide them to a Serie A title in 2018, as well as Liverpool where she also won it all, twice. Helping Liverpool to two FA WSL titles in her four years there, where she also netted 12 goals.
Perhaps most importantly, she comes with a seal of approval from Angel City’s biggest superstar, Christen Press. Press, who spent time at Manchester United, was talking about the newest addition days ago on her show, “The Recap Show” where she said, “Katie Zelem, our skipper, one of the best captains I’ve ever played for.” A bit of foreshadowing there from Press, but its really good to know the newest signing not only comes in with tons of accolades and championship acclaim, but is also a player already familiar with one of the team’s most important players. The fact that she plays midfield, the position that has plagued Angel City for the better part of three seasons, is just icing on what appears to be a very tasty treat for the Los Angeles club.
Thoughts on the new signing? Leave a comment below!
1 Comment
Very excited for this addition! I truly hope she can bring some ball security and clean passing, as we’ve often killed off our possessions by being sloppy on the ball. Would love to see her as a 6, but 8 could work too… I think we want Fuller on the field as well as Zelem if we can!