The former Manchester United captain Katie Zelem says she is eager to “test herself in a new league” after signing for the Los Angeles-based club Angel City on a two-year deal until 2026.
The 28-year-old England midfielder was available on a free transfer after leaving United at the end of her contract this summer, shortly after lifting the club’s first major trophy at Wembley when she captained Marc Skinner’s side to winning the Women’s FA Cup final in May.
Zelem is a lifelong United fan, originally joining their centre of excellence as an eight-year-old, and had played for the club for six consecutive years since they reformed a senior women’s team in 2018. The club held a further year’s option on her contract but they reportedly opted not to trigger that option.
The midfielder is Angel City’s first signing of the NWSL’s August transfer window. “I’m thrilled to sign for Angel City and take on this exciting new challenge,” said Zelem, who has also previously played for Liverpool and Italian giants Juventus.
“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.”
United had confirmed Zelem’s departure from the English club on 27 June, hailing her as a “legend” of the club. She helped them to win promotion to the Women’s Super League in 2019 and played 161 times for the club in total.
As well as last season’s FA Cup, in Zelem’s club career so far she has also been a Serie A winner with Juventus in 2017-18, plus a two-time WSL winner with Liverpool, for whom she played 52 times. Zelem was also part of the England squad that reached the Women’s World Cup final last summer.
Angel City’s general manager, Angela Hucles Mangano, said: “Katie Zelem is a wonderful addition to our squad at the perfect time. 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.”
