Johnathan Giraldez and Washington Spirit have further strenghened their squad with the signing of Lionesses defender, Esme Morgan, on a four year deal.

Morgan has been a popular figure in the first team of her former club, Manchester City, where it has been quite the journey since graduating from the academy at her childhood club nine years ago.

The versatile defender, who can play anywhere across the backline as well as defensive midfield, made 85 appearances in six seasons in sky blue, completing her life-long dream of playing for the club she supported as a child.

Speaking officially for the first time as a Spirit player on her move, Morgan said: “I wanted to join the Spirit because they have the ambition and tools to be the best team in the NWSL, and trying to achieve that will be a great but enjoyable challenge.

“On an individual level too, the opportunity to work under Jonatan [Giráldez], one of the world’s best coaches, is really exciting and I look forward to learning from him and pushing myself to become the best player I can be, hopefully helping the team to success.”

Mark Krikorian, Washington Spirit’s General Manager and President of Soccer Operations, said: “Esme is an exceptional talent and we’re thrilled to add her this talented Spirit roster.

“We expect the success she’s had at the highest level in England to translate well as she joins the most competitive league in women’s soccer.”

Morgan’s deal will see her up to the end of the 2027 season, with the Spirit also confirming they will pay a fee to Manchester City for the 23-year-old.


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