By Liviu Bird
SEATTLE — One of the most exciting foreign players to join the National Women’s Soccer League in its inaugural season, Seattle Reign FC midfielder Jess Fishlock, will join Glasgow City LFC on loan until mid-November, both clubs announced Monday.
Glasgow called the loan “easily the biggest signing in the history of the Scottish women’s game” in a club release, calling her “without doubt one of the top players in Europe.” Fishlock, the Welsh national team captain, will join Glasgow for the remainder of its domestic season and in time to continue its UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign in the Round of 32.
“I believe the signing of Jess is significant, not only for the club but also the country,” Glasgow head coach Eddie Wolecki Black said. “Our aim is to make progress on the European stage and the signing of Jess highlights this. She will bring experience, versatility, pace and intelligence to the team and most importantly will raise the standard of the players around her.”
The Scottish club has dominated in recent competitions, scoring 18 goals and not conceding any on its way to the top of Group 8 in Champions League qualification. Glasgow has also won its last five league games by a combined score of 29-1.
“I believe it’s a perfect fit for both myself and the club,” Fishlock said. “I have followed the club closely over the last few years and respect it immensely. I want to do all I can to help the club with both their domestic season and their Champions League campaign.”
Glasgow has been seeded in the Round of 32 draw, meaning it will be favored to win its two-legged Round of 32 matchup on Oct. 9/10 and 16/17. The draw will be held Sept. 5 at UEFA headquarters in Switzerland.
In her first NWSL season, Fishlock quickly became a fan favorite in Seattle. She scored in the club’s second game at Portland Thorns FC, and she celebrated by jumping and pumping her fist, which drew loud boos from the Portland crowd. She continued to pace the team all season from her role as playmaker in the middle of a three-midfielder set.
She also tied for the league lead in yellow cards with four, underscoring her fiery personality on the field. Despite the considerable expectations of her new club, Fishlock said she would be up to the task.
“Glasgow City is a club that is going to continue to grow to the heights of the women’s game,” she said, “and I am excited to be able to play a part in that.”