Esme Morgan signs four-year deal with Washington Spirit

The Sheffield native has made eight appearances for the English national team and was a member of the World Cup squad during the Lionesses’ run to the final last year.

“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,” Morgan said in a news release. “On an individual level too, the opportunity to work under [incoming coach] 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.”

Morgan’s deal runs through the 2027 season. The transfer fee was not disclosed. She is eligible to join the Spirit for training starting July 15 but will not be on a game-day roster until the NWSL summer transfer window opens Aug. 1.

After making 15 league starts in the 2022-23 season, Morgan started five games this past season. She has played various positions across the back line for both Manchester City and England and probably will contend for a spot at center back for the Spirit.

“Esme is an exceptional talent, and we’re thrilled to add her [to] this talented Spirit roster,” General Manager Mark Krikorian said. “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.”

The Spirit (9-3-0) is third in the NWSL standings and unbeaten in its past four matches.

Giráldez will coach his final game at Barcelona on Sunday before taking over the Spirit on a full-time basis. Another international signing, Colombian winger Leicy Santos, is set to join Washington later this summer.