Katie Zelem, a former captain of Manchester United, has officially joined Angel City on a contract that runs through 2026.
After her contract with United expired at the end of June, Zelem, 28, left the team, ending a chapter in which she made over 160 appearances for the team.
A graduate of United’s academy, Zelem first moved on to Liverpool and then Juventus after departing in 2013 because the club did not have a senior women’s team. But when United resurrected its women’s team in 2018, she returned, and she soon established herself as a key member of the team.
Zelem, who was named captain prior to United’s Women’s Super League debut season, was instrumental in the team’s ascent, helping them win promotion in 2019 and their first-ever Champions League qualifying in the 2022–2023 season. She also contributed to United’s FA Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley last season.
Welcome to LA, Katie!
— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) August 12, 2024
📝 #AngelCityFC announces that England WNT midfielder Katie Zelem has signed with the club through 2026 via free agency. Zelem, former team captain for Man Utd, joins the club as the first signing of the August transfer window.https://t.co/T4nF5Qx2nH pic.twitter.com/KU2QpNTRA9
After finishing sixth in the WSL the previous season, several players from United, notably goalkeeper Mary Earps, Zelem, and winger Lucia Garcia, left this summer at the end of their contracts. On the other hand, forward Nikita Parris’s contract has been renewed.
This summer, Marc Skinner’s team has also added players; the most recent addition is BK Hacken defender Anna Sandberg. Additionally, they have signed Dominique Janssen, Elisabeth Terland, and Melvine Malard, whose Lyon loan has been extended to a permanent position.
In contrast, Angel City is presently ranked eleventh in the National Women’s Soccer League.
(Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
