Angel City coach has admitted that speculation over the future of Chelsea target Alyssa Thompson has been ‘difficult’ to deal with.
Thompson was conspicuously absent from the Angel City squad for their game with Bay FC on Monday.
Angel City, who are eighth in the National Women’s Soccer League, managed to pick up a 2-1 victory after a 77th-minute winner from Brazilian substitute Maiara.
However, the absence of Thompson was noteworthy, after it came following reports at the end of last week that Chelsea are pushing to sign the 20-year-old American international.
The Blues, who hope to win their seventh straight Women’s Super League title this season, have until 11pm on Thursday, September 4th, to complete the deal.
What did Angel City coach Alexander Straus say about Alyssa Thompson’s speculated move to Chelsea?
Angel City coach Alexander Straus admitted that it has been ‘difficult’ for the club to deal with the speculation surrounding the future of Chelsea target Alyssa Thompson.
He said: “If I’m being honest, the last couple of days, it’s been difficult. It’s been hard for me in my position when things change. This excused absence (for Thompson against Bay FC), it changes our plans and changes the plans for the players.”
Straus though insisted that no player is bigger than the club, hinting that Thompson’s future could lie elsewhere from Los Angeles.
He said: “We lost three other international players and we got better.
“I think this group, the way they work and how you can grow together, I’m so proud of them. It’s not been easy with all of these things, speculation and stuff.
“But none of us is bigger than the club. We focus on that, what is our value together? And if somebody leaves at some point — or somebody has left a couple of weeks ago — I think it does something to a group. It’s not easy, but it’s how you manage it.”
What other moves could happen in the WSL before the transfer window closes?
Should Alyssa Thompson join Chelsea before Thursday’s deadline, it would be unlikely for her to feature in their Women’s Super League opener against Manchester City on Friday.
There are also some other big moves that could happen before the transfer window closes.
Jess Park has been linked with a move to Manchester United from Manchester City. England teammate Grace Clinton has also been linked with a move in the other direction.
The BBC have reported that Manchester United are still in the market for a forward.
Liverpool are also keen to sign an attacking player following the exit of Olivia Smith earlier this summer.
West Ham are on the lookout for a midfielder while Leicester City are pursuing a move for Emily van Egmond from Birmingham City.
