da dobrowin： USWNT star Crystal Dunn is set to be the subject of a bidding war between Gotham FC and Orlando Pride, while the Washington Spirit remain interested.
da leao： Article continues below
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USWNT star Dunn undergoing NWSL free agencyGotham, Orlando & Washington interestedLeaving Portland Thorns after three seasonsWHAT HAPPENED?
After announcing her offseason departure from the Thorns organization in November, Dunn now has suitors flocking in from each corner of the United States – no, literally, (nearly) each corner. All three of Gotham FC, Orlando Pride and Washington are expressing interest in the 31-year-old, per . Now, in the biggest free-agency of her storied career, the USWNT star has a big decision to make.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Dunn is one of the hottest commodities on the market this winter, alongside USWNT teammate Rose Lavelle among others. After announcing her departure from the Thorns, NWSL teams across the league surely lifted their ears and held an internal discussion, with one of the most unique players in the league available on a free contract.
Per the , the Pride are willing to offer a yearly salary of $400,000 to the midfielder, but worries from their camp come about in the manner of them being in a rebuild phase – and at Dunn's age – that may be a turn off for her. Meanwhile, Gotham – who are coming off an NWSL title – could lure her into a project where she would be reunited with USWNT teammate Lynn Williams, among others.
The Washington Spirit are another team watching the situation, but until they hire a new coach, it's hard for any player to be interested in their project.
DID YOU KNOW?
Despite primarily crafting her trade as an attacking midfielder at the club level, Dunn was used as a makeshift left back for the USWNT during the 2023 FIFA World Cup by ex-coach Vlatko Andonovski. Widespread criticism was aimed at the boss for his decision during the tournament over the matter.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR DUNN?
The 31-year-old will have a massive decision to make – for both her and her family – as she moves on from the Thorns. Will it be the big city life with Gotham, the sunny beaches of Orlando – but a project squad – or will she stay in the Pacific Northwest and jump ship to the Spirit? It remains to be seen, but surely new USWNT boss Emma Hayes will reach out with some advice of her own as Dunn has no intentions of leaving the international game yet. The duo worked together at Chelsea during the 2017-18 season, where Dunn made 15 appearances and scored three goals.