Gotham FC has continued to add experience to its already star-packed roster. On Tuesday, the club officially acquired Republic of Ireland international midfielder Denise O’Sullivan on an initial one-year loan from Liverpool FC.
The 32-year-old’s transfer agreement includes an obligation for Gotham to purchase O’Sullivan after the year-long loan expires. The London Times previously reported that Liverpool agreed to a transfer fee of €350,000.
O’Sullivan spoke of her desire to continue Gotham’s habit of lifting trophies. The reigning NWSL champions were most recently crowned winners of the 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup on June 26.
“I’m incredibly excited to join Gotham FC and return to the NWSL,” O’Sullivan said after completing the move on Tuesday. “This club has established itself as one of the top teams in the world with an incredible culture and ambition to compete for every trophy. I can’t wait to meet my teammates, get to work and do everything I can to help this club continue its success.”
Juan Carlos Amorós on O’Sullivan: ‘One of the Best Midfielders on the Planet’
O’Sullivan brings an extra layer of championship experience as she played an instrumental role in helping the North Carolina Courage capture two NWSL Championships, three NWSL Shields and two NWSL Challenge Cups.
“I think Denise is probably one of the best midfielders on the planet,” head coach Juan Carlos Amorós said during Tuesday’s press conference. “The way she sees, understands, reads the game — I think it’s something that can bring a lot for the team, for our fans. I think it’s one of those players around the world of football that probably has been a bit underrated or maybe not getting the credit that she really deserves.
“I think she was the heart of a fantastic North Carolina team for a very long time. She’s a leader as well, captain of Ireland, captain of North Carolina. Someone that is always looking to be better, [a] fantastic human being.”
O’Sullivan Joins Crowded Midfield Competition
The engine-like midfielder will add to the fierce competition for starting XI places. Jaelin Howell and Savannah McCaskill have regularly occupied deeper-lying midfield positions in a double pivot. O’Sullivan is best utilized as a holding midfielder, though she is also capable of playing in a more advanced role.
“They can play with each other, they can play in different combinations,” Amorós stated. “The ability and the quality that they have allows them to really be able to be with each other and with other players.
“I think [Denise is] going to be someone that’s going to add [competition]. They’re going to compete basically to be able to play because that’s the way we are, and that’s how we want our roster, making sure that every player pushes each other. Denise comes to do that. So very, very exciting for her signing and another statement from the club.”
It will be interesting to see how Amorós is able to accommodate Howell, McCaskill, O’Sullivan and United States international Rose Lavelle.
Yael Averbuch West: O’Sullivan Will ‘Elevate’ Gotham
Gotham FC president of soccer operations, Yael Averbuch West, praised O’Sullivan’s leadership qualities and competitive nature.
“Denise has consistently established herself as one of the world’s top midfielders through her performances in both the NWSL and on the international stage,” Averbuch West explained. “She brings exceptional experience, leadership and a relentless competitive mentality to our group. Her quality on both sides of the ball and her ability to elevate those around her will make us a better team, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to Gotham.”
Wednesday’s Queens Classic showdown against the Washington Spirit will likely be too early for O’Sullivan to make her NWSL debut. It’s possible that she could appear in Saturday’s noon match against Seattle Reign FC.
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