Gotham FC trades Josefine Hasbo for cash, implying the team is up to something

After less than a year with NJ/NY Gotham FC, Josefine Hasbo is on the move. The club announced that the midfielder was traded to Boston Legacy FC. This is despite just signing with the Bats last June. She signed with the team through the 2027 season and was one of the multiple rookies signed in the NWSL Championship campaign.

Hasbo was a solid addition and showed glimpses of what she could offer. While she was not the best midfielder in the league, she surely deserved the seven NWSL starts and 11 appearances between the regular season and the playoffs. Her potential is immense, and Boston is getting someone who could blossom into an NWSL regular.

What does Josefine Hasbo's departure mean for Gotham FC?

Gotham FC will receive $50,000 in allocation money in return, sending Hasbo to her new side for some cash. It is not a high amount, but that can be utilized toward another signing or trade.

Nevertheless, the trade was unexpected, especially since Hasbo only joined the team in June. Based on the current roster, it was evident that she was not going to be a starter. However, the player was a fantastic depth piece to come off the bench. More importantly, she proved she can start and fill in for injured teammates based on her rookie campaign.

Hence, Gotham FC might be up to something, and that something might be signing or trading for a new player. There might be someone who is more talented than Hasbo that they are trying to bring in. It could be another NWSL player, or it could be another rookie. As fans know, the NJ/NY side is not afraid to take risks with signing multiple young players. And sometimes, those risks pay off big time, as seen with Lilly Reale winning the Rookie of the Year last season.

At the same time, Gotham already traded for Savannah McCaskill, who can play as a central or defensive midfielder. With that in mind, Hasbo's playing time might have been reduced, and trading her to Boston enables her to continue her development and receive more minutes. As such, the reason for the trade could be that simple.

Meanwhile, if Gotham is not looking for a new midfielder because of McCaskill joining the team, then the Hasbo trade could make room for a new defender or forward.

There is no question that the NJ/NY side is up to something. Otherwise, why would they have made the trade? Only time will tell what the corresponding move is. Ideally, Gotham FC will bring in another defender or a backup striker.