Sam Kerr has locked in what could be the final chapter of her decorated club career, returning to the United States and Gotham FC on a four-year deal that will take the Matildas captain past her 37th birthday.
Kerr has been linked with a move back to the NWSL since becoming a free agent in May, after several seasons in the UK with Chelsea during which she scored 116 goals from 158 appearances – equalling the all-time club record – and won five Women’s Super League titles, three FA Cups and three League Cups.
Gotham have now confirmed they have lured the striker back – Kerr played for the club from 2015 until 2017, when it was called Sky Blue FC, including a standout 2017 season during which she scored a then-NWSL record 17 goals, won the league’s Golden Boot and was named its most valuable player.
She also played for the Chicago Red Stars in 2018 and 2019.
“I’m incredibly excited to return to Gotham FC and to this city,” Kerr said in an official media release.
“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 are reigning NWSL champions and sit fifth midway through the 2026 season, but have made some recent statements in the transfer market with the signings of Kerr’s former Chelsea teammate Guro Reiten and US national team talent Jaedyn Shaw.
The New Jersey-based club have also announced plans to invest $US35 million in a first-ever training facility.
Along with Norway international Reiten, Kerr will reunite with two other former Blues in Jess Carter and Ann-Katrin Berger as part of a contract that will keep her at the club until the end of the 2030 season.
Kerr turns 33 in September, meaning she will be 37 by the time her deal expires – the year before the 2031 Women’s World Cup.
Since her return from a lengthy ACL rehabilitation she has once again become central to the Matildas’ attack, leading Australia’s line to the 2026 Asian Cup final and now setting sights on the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
A return to the US makes sense, given its recent regrowth to the point of challenging the world-leading WSL and the fact her partner is former US international Kristie Mewis.
“Sam is one of the defining players of her generation and a game-changing talent who has consistently delivered at the highest levels of world football,” said Yael Averbuch West, the president of soccer operations for Gotham FC.
“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.”
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