Gary Gibson
Producer
01/10/2025
Gotham FC has been active this off-season, making some significant moves to bolster their roster. While some fans may be disappointed with certain departures, the team has shown ambition and a clear vision for the future. Here are three key takeaways from Gotham FC's off-season thus far:
Takeaway 1: Super Teams Come at a Price
The NWSL is witnessing the rise of "super teams" with high-profile signings and substantial investments. This trend comes with a price tag, and Gotham FC has experienced this firsthand. Retaining all of their top talent, particularly their rising stars, While it's undoubtedly disappointing to lose key players, the team's decision to prioritize financial responsibility and long-term sustainability is understandable.
Gotham spent every expense to build a roster filled with starters. Gotham was set to play the most games in a year for an NWSL club. Challenge cup, Summer cup, Olympics, Champions cup, and playoffs. Gotham needed players that were ready to play now. Of the players that left the club, there is a very high chance that all of them start right away at their new teams. There was little to no chance they would be able to retain the talent they had.
Takeaway 2: Gotham FC Remains a Destination Club
Despite losing some key players, Gotham FC continues to attract top talent. The team has established itself as a destination club where the best players in the world want to play. This speaks volumes about the club's ambition, professionalism, and the quality of its playing environment.
It didn't look good for a bit. Seemed like players were leaving with no players coming in. Then the announcement. Balon D'or semi-finalist, FIFA best 11, Golden Ball winner, Gabi Portilho is announced as signed by Gotham on a free transfer. One of the best players in the world chose Gotham. Then Ghana prodigy Stella signed. Players around the world want to come here. Gotham is a winning club with an exciting playing style. They are loaded with stars. Players want to be a part of that culture.
Takeaway 3: Let Yael Cook
While Gotham FC has made several significant signings, there are still a few roster spots available. With allocation money at their disposal, the team has the flexibility to make further strategic moves to strengthen their squad. This could involve targeting specific positions of need or identifying players who can provide depth and versatility.
Yael Averbuch has built a sellable product. Gotham now has an intentional scouting department who finds the right players who fit specific roles. Portilho fits the role that was vacated by Yazmeen Ryan. Speaking of Ryan. Yael was able to extract the maximum, a league record transfer fee for a player that wanted to leave. As well as get Howell and cash for Lynn Williams. Another player that wanted to leave. In order to maintain this super team Gotham has to maximize all player movement. Yael has done that this offseason.
Yael has been able to balance her principles of being player first while maximizing return. She said long ago that she would honor any move away from the club that the players wanted. That means that the players you have on roster and the players you bring in want to be there and are invested in the club. This is a recipe for sustained success.
Conclusion:
Gotham FC's off-season has been a mixed bag, with both exciting additions and some notable departures. However, the team has demonstrated a clear vision for the future, prioritizing long-term sustainability while maintaining its ambition to compete at the highest level. With several key pieces in place and the potential for further roster improvements, Gotham FC is poised for an exciting season ahead.
What player are you most excited to see play at Gotham? What player will you miss the most?
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