Gotham FC's short-term move for Olivia Wingate does not make sense

After announcing Leila Ouahabi's signing at halftime of the game against Angel City FC, fans probably thought NJ/NY Gotham FC was done solidifying the roster as the team chases their first-ever NWSL Shield. But alas, the club was not finished. The NJ/NY side announced that they have signed Olivia Wingate from the North Carolina Courage, right before the NWSL roster freeze. The move does not make sense.

The forward joins the Bats on a free transfer, and her deal only runs through the end of the season. This is similar to the signings of Meredith Speck and Tess Boade, who are also signed through the end of 2026.

Olivia Wingate does not make sense for Gotham FC

But like Boade, Wingate's signing is an odd one. Sure, Gotham FC needs a backup striker for Sam Kerr. However, Wingate has barely played this season, as she has only played five minutes in two games. Injuries have hurt her career, as she missed all of the 2025 season. But still, she has mostly been a substitute player since she was drafted in 2023.

It is difficult to see the Bats utilizing her in any way. Moreover, there are a minimum of four games left in the NWSL season, with a maximum of six, depending on how far Gotham goes in the postseason. There is an argument that she was a free transfer and that the deal is technically a short one, so it is just a move to add another player to help out the squad.

Yet, it almost feels like the club just added her to add another player. This is not to be mean, but rather, this is reality. Wingate has not been able to get back to the form that led to her being drafted by the Courage. What is she going to add to the team, especially with the season coming to an end? Was this more of a deal to act as a favor to North Carolina? But the eighth-place team is the one that needs help to stay above the playoff line; why did they not keep their player?

Then again, some of the moves Gotham made during the transfer window were intriguing and sometimes confusing. Again, Boade did not make sense, and some questioned trading away Sarah Schupansky.

But in the end, perhaps the move is one that truly will not hurt, and the Bats see something in Wingate. Perhaps this is a trial period, and maybe Gotham FC is interested in seeing whether she can show off in training and prove that she deserves a contract in 2027.

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