Gotham FC has the first signing for 2026 with the addition of Talia Sommer

It has been less than a month since NJ/NY Gotham FC won their second NWSL Championship, but the team is beginning to build for the 2026 campaign. After announcing their roster decisions, the Bats officially have their first signing. The club has signed Talia Sommer from Butler University to a one-year contract. As of today, there are no options for future years.

Per Gotham, Sommer had a great collegiate career, "where she finished tied for fifth in program history in assists (24) and seventh in goals (28). She ranks among the top 10 in several single-season categories, including goals (11) and assists (7), marks she achieved in multiple campaigns." She was also named the Midfielder of the Year in the Big East, in which she shared the title, during her senior year. Based on the honor, and since she started as a midfielder, she can play there or as a forward.

Talia Sommer is a Gotham FC player

Notably, Gotham FC is not her first professional rodeo. Before college, Sommer played for ASA Tel Aviv in Israel. It is unknown whether she played officially at a professional or semiprofessional level, but regardless, she did play organized football. Moreover, despite only being 21, she has 28 caps for the Israeli national team, highlighting her experience.

Sommer's professional resume, mixed in with her time at Butler, is why Gotham has signed her. Yael Averbuch West, the general manager and head of soccer operations, told gothamfc.com, "Talia is a talented player with international experience under her belt. We are delighted to have her join us and look forward to seeing her development at the club."

As mentioned, she can play in the midfield and as a forward. She has played as a winger for Israel in the past, and it appears she played both roles during her time at Butler. Hence, her versatility aids Gotham in player choice since she can play in multiple positions, and not just one.

At the same time, the depth in the backline is still thin after the 2025 season, and that has been a major area of need for the Bats. Sure, Tierna Davidson is expected to return early in 2026, but there is no question that the NJ/NY side should focus on bringing in younger defenders for depth purposes. This allows the team to sign players with potential for less money and invest in other positions. As it is known, Gotham can easily develop defenders and turn them into starters, as seen with the 2025 Rookie of the Year, Lilly Reale.

That does not mean that Sommer cannot have success with Gotham FC. The argument lies with signing collegiate defenders instead. Still, her experience and talent makes her a solid first signing for the Bats, and it will be interesting to see whether she can continue her success that she had in college in the NWSL.