Club’s handling of star’s transfer to Chelsea botched

Thompson’s move overseas should have been feted by Angel City, not kept in dark.

- BY KEVIN BAXTER

Chelsea FC ALYSSA

Thompson, 20, has joined Chelsea FC.

It was a moment that should have been celebrated on both sides of the Atlantic. What could prove to be the most expensive transfer in women’s soccer history —and already is the largest outgoing transfer in NWSL history — had sent Alyssa Thompson from Angel City and the NWSL to Chelsea of England’s Women’s Super League.

It was a monumental deal, one that could come to define Thompson’s career and help repair Angel City’s brand as a rich club that has mostly bumbled its way through its first four seasons.

It was a massive win for the player and both clubs.

Yet before the ink on the agreement had dried Angel City was already tarnishing what it should have been cheering. Coach Alexander Straus refused to even say Thompson's name, opening a conference call with reporters Thursday by insisting he would not answer questions about “a certain player” or “a certain transfer.”

It was the second time in four days Straus refused to acknowledge his team’s best player.

Thompson, of course, has never been "a certain player" or "a certain transfer." She's a player Angel City moved heaven and earth to draft and sign in 2023, giving her a contract worth an estimated $1 million, then one of the richest in the NWSL. She's a player who went on to become the club's all-time leader in goals and rank sixth in appearances.

HARRY HOW NWSL via Getty Images