Another Lioness in the NWSL? Angel City teases Katie Zelem signing after England midfielder's Manchester United exit

Despite captaining the Red Devils for the last five years, Zelem's expiring contract was surprisingly not renewed by the club at the end of the 2023-24 season. A former youth player with Man Utd, the midfielder returned to the club when they relaunched a women's senior team in 2018. She helped them win promotion to the Women's Super League in that first season and then lifted the FA Cup, a first major title for the women's side, back in May.

Zelem's next destination has been up in the air for some time, with strong rumours of interest in the England international coming from overseas over the last few months. The announcement of that new chapter is now imminent, after NWSL side Angel City teased a new signing.

On Thursday, the club shared a clip which included a voice note from its new signing and social media was quick to recognize the distinctive Mancunian accent despite the identity of the player being hidden.

"Hey everyone, it's [name bleeped out] here," the new arrival said. "I'm so excited to have joined Angel City FC. I can't wait to see you all at BMO Stadium. See you soon LA."

Zelem will not be the first Lioness to move stateside this summer. Esme Morgan, the former Manchester City defender, was announced as a new signing for the Washington Spirit back in June, with Jess Carter then making the switch from Chelsea to Gotham a couple of weeks ago.

Despite being a regular member of the England squad throughout the last couple of years, and helping her nation reach the 2023 Women's World Cup final, Zelem has fallen out of the picture with the Lionesses in recent times. She will hope this transfer can help her change that ahead of Euro 2025.