Liverpool to recoup fee as record signing O'Sullivan eyes Gotham move
Liverpool's summer rebuild faces disruption as record signing Denise O'Sullivan nears a return to the US, though the club expects to secure a large fee to soften the blow.
Liverpool face a disruption to their summer transfer plans as record signing Denise O'Sullivan looks set to exit the club just six months after arriving. The Republic of Ireland midfielder is poised to return to the United States, with National Women's Soccer League side Gotham FC leading the pursuit. Her departure comes at a delicate time for the club as it attempts to restructure following a disappointing 2025-26 campaign.
O’Sullivan arrived in January for a club-record £300,000 fee. Despite the brief tenure, she made 13 appearances across all competitions, including nine in the league. She proved to be a standout performer for manager Gareth Taylor, playing a key role in guiding the team to the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals.
The financial mechanics of her expected exit are still taking shape. Reports indicate the transfer could be structured as an initial one-year loan featuring an obligation-to-buy clause. Sources suggest Liverpool are engaged in positive discussions with both the player and Gotham FC, and the club expects to receive a large fee that could help offset the initial investment and fund further squad additions.
Losing a record signing so quickly represents a significant blow to Liverpool's broader transfer strategy and their competitive positioning in the Women's Super League market. The club has already completed three new signings this window but has simultaneously failed to convert goalkeeper Jennifer Falk’s loan move into a permanent deal. The inability to secure two targeted players creates an unstable foundation for Gareth Taylor's rebuild and limits the team's immediate on-pitch options.
For the 32-year-old, the decision to leave is a personal one driven by a desire to return to American football. O’Sullivan spent nine seasons with North Carolina Courage, making over 150 appearances and captaining the side. She remains a vital figure internationally, earning 132 caps for the Republic of Ireland and featuring prominently in their recent Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign.
