Katie Zelem joins Angel City FC ready for next challenge in her career

After spending her entire career in Europe, Katie Zelem is making the move to the US, joining Angel City Football Club.

Zelem, 28, signed with Angel City as a free agent through 2026. Zelem has spent the last five seasons with Manchester United.

“I knew I was ready for a new challenge. I’ve been in the WSL all of my career, aside from one season at Juventus, so I knew a new challenge was waiting, I just didn’t know where to be honest,” Zelem said during a video call. “I had a few options to stay in England, go to Europe or go to the US… I’m a bit of a home-boat to be honest, I’m from Manchester, I live in Manchester, all of my friends and family are in Manchester, so when I heard from Angel City, I was like that’s a long way on a plane, so it took me a little bit of time to process and when I really thought about it, the pros definitely surpassed the cons. ”

Zelem started her professional career with Liverpool (2013-17) and then moved to Italy with Juventus (2017-18). She returned home to Manchester United in 2018.

“Katie Zelem is a wonderful addition to our squad at the perfect time,” ACFC general manager Angela Hucles Mangano said. “She has honored leadership skills at high levels as the captain of Manchester United, she is a skilled midfielder with an elite-level football acumen, and her desire to bring championships to LA was palpable upon first communication. We are excited to welcome her.”