Jess Carter's transfer to Gotham FC is a smart and interesting move

After signing Mak Whitham last week, NJ/NY Gotham FC continued to make moves on Monday. The club announced they acquired Jess Carter from Chelsea F.C. Women and signed her through 2026. The 26-year-old joins the NWSL side after six years with the Blues in London.

The move comes after Carter made 21 appearances in the Women's Super League last season. She had 57 clearances, which led the team. She also had an assist in the regular season.

The defender tends to play as the right center-back and was consistently a starter with Chelsea. She joins Gotham and will compete with the likes of Tierna Davidson, Sam Hiatt, Emily Sonnett, and more. As of late, when the backline is mostly at full strength, Davidson and Sonnett would start as the center-backs. It will be interesting to see what Juan Carlos Amorós does with the addition of Carter.

Jess Carter is a great addition to Gotham FC

There is no question she enhances Gotham's backline and gives the head coach more flexibility. The Bats were thin depth-wise at the center-back position and often would utilize the versatile midfielders who step back when needed, like Nealy Martin. Carter is a true center-back so she can always step in. She might manage to secure a starting role afterward as well.

Moreover, as good as Davidson is, her injury history is always a concern. She recently picked up a knock in the USWNT game on Sunday. Fans are waiting to hear the recent update regarding the possible injury, and hopefully, it is nothing serious. Regardless, Carter could be needed right away in case Davidson misses any time.

At the same time, Gotham is known for their defense this season. The new center-back might illuminate the club is focusing on the backline to fortify the roster. It would be good to bring in another goal-scorer, even for depth purposes, but getting Carter was a smart move. The English international's talent might see her start over those who have been starting during the season.

On an interesting note, her move logistically makes sense for her personal life. She and Ann-Katrin Berger are engaged, which the two announced in May. The move to Gotham FC means the two will not only be on the same continent, but they will be on the same club again. This makes the move interesting.

Carter is talented on her own, and the Bats could have easily tried to sign her without Berger on the team. Did the goalkeeper have anything to do with the signing? Did she let the team know about the center-back? Did Carter move for love?

No matter the reason, Gotham FC has a fantastic new defender. It will be interesting to see what she does when the NWSL resumes play.