Unexpected, but welcomed: Leila Ouahabi has joined Gotham FC

During halftime of the game against Angel City FC, NJ/NY Gotham FC finally signed a defender, which fans have been asking for a while now. The Bats signed Leila Ouahabi through the 2028 season, bringing in the recent free agent a few days before the roster freeze.

The fullback was most recently with Chicago Stars FC, but she and the Windy City team mutually agreed to terminate her contract. While some fans knew of this due to the earlier announcement, the news that Gotham FC signed her was a surprising one.

She only joined the Stars in June after leaving Manchester City F.C. and made 11 appearances. Her new team does not guarantee she will play the minutes that she once was used to. Perhaps she realized early on that Chicago was not the right move for her, but still wanted to be in the NWSL. In that case, Ouahabi joining Gotham is a welcome move.

Leila Ouahabi unexpectedly joins Gotham FC

At the same time, one can only wonder whether the team brought her to the club in case Jordynn Dudley is out longer than expected, meaning that Midge Purce has to step into the right-winger position, which is her natural spot. Then, perhaps someone like Jess Carter or Mandy Freeman, or both, have already made the NJ/NY side aware that they will be leaving in the offseason, subsequently making the early move to bring in the Spanish international.

However, that is all speculation. What is not speculation is that Gotham FC now has more depth in the backline. Ouahabi mainly plays as a left-back, which is where Guro Reiten has been playing throughout the season. Whether that means Reiten will be moved is unknown, but that is unlikely. What is likely is that the former Chicago player has been brought in as a depth piece for the rest of the season.

Heading into the playoffs, Juan Carlos Amorós might want to rest some of his players, if possible. Ouahabi increases that ability. In addition, the head coach gets another experienced player. Although there is plenty of experience in the squad, Gotham FC’s president of soccer operations. Yael Averbuch West focused on that in her statement.

She said, “Leila is an experienced defender who has competed and won at the highest levels of the game. She brings quality, versatility and a winning mentality to our back line, along with valuable experience in both Europe and the NWSL. We’re delighted to welcome Leila to Gotham FC and look forward to what she will bring to our group.”

Ouahabi’s signing also means that the Bats officially have a Spanish player on the roster again, not too long after the shocking departure of Esther González. It would have been great if both players were on the team, but alas, that was not meant to be.

Still, Gotham FC is fortunate to have Ouahabi as part of the roster. What her full role will be is yet to be determined, but there is no question that she will become a valued member of the squad.

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