Emma Hayes insists USWNT stars should be “celebrated” if they decide to leave the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) to play in Europe.
What did Emma Hayes say about USWNT stars leaving the NWSL for Europe?
Speaking to reporters, Emma Hayes said she supported her USWNT players regardless of where they want to play football, even if it is outside of the NWSL.
She also questioned why the men’s counterpart, Mauricio Pochettino, was not frequently asked the same question about his players deciding to play in Europe.
“It almost feels like we always have to ask that question because it’s women,” Hayes said. “Now, all of a sudden, women get the opportunity to choose.
“We should celebrate the position that women are in, to be able to do that. We can have an incredible league and still have incredible U.S. women’s national team players that play both here and abroad.”
Trinity Rodman could be the next star to leave the NWSL. This comes amid interest from the Women’s Super League, elsewhere in Europe and the US-based Gainbridge Super League.
Part of the battle to keep Rodman is that the NWSL operates a hard salary cap of $3.3 million (£2.5m) per team. This allows teams in leagues like the WSL and Gainbridge Super League the chance to offer superior contracts.
Hayes added: “I have the conversation with the players. They’re so grateful to the generations before them (for) putting them in the position to be able to bring to life what might be childhood dreams.
“I always compare it to studying abroad. It’s funny — if our kids go and study abroad (and) say, ‘Hey, we’re gonna spend a year abroad in France,’ parents will go, ‘Amazing!’ But when it comes to soccer, it’s like you can’t leave. It doesn’t mean we’re always going to lose people forever, and it doesn’t mean we’re gonna lose everyone. We just have to accept that different things matter to different people.”
Which USWNT stars have left for Europe?
Naomi Girma left the San Diego Wave for Chelsea in January for £883,000.
The same transfer window saw Jenna Nighswonger join Arsenal from Gotham FC. Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers has been criticised over her usage of Nighswonger, who has struggled for starts.
During the summer transfer window, Alyssa Thompson joined Chelsea from Angel City. Her £1m move is the second-most expensive in history behind Lizbeth Ovalle’s move from Tigres to Orlando Pride.
Rodman could be the next player to leave for Europe. However, NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman insists the league “will fight” to keep her.
