Arsenal midfielder and England youth international Laila Harbert is on the verge of joining American club San Diego Wave.
Harbert, who has spent the second half of this season on loan with Everton, is understood to have significant interest from clubs in both the Women’s Super League and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States.
But Telegraph Sport understands Arsenal have accepted a bid from San Diego Wave, who are managed by their former head coach Jonas Eidevall.
Arsenal are understood to have inserted a buy-back option into the deal. The club are planning for a busy summer in the transfer market and midfield will be a competitive position next season, with Georgia Stanway expected to join on a free transfer from Bayern Munich.
Harbert captained England’s under-17 side at the World Cup in 2024 and has also represented the Lionesses at under-19 and under-23 level.
Herbert in action for England Under-23s in April – Florencia Tan Jun/The FA via Getty Images
The midfielder’s expected departure to the United States follows a pattern of young English talents moving across the pond.
Erica Parkinson, who was called up to the Lionesses last month, is expected to join North Carolina Courage from Portuguese side Valadares Gaia.
American clubs are specifically targeting England youth players who are lacking opportunities or pathways to first-team football in the WSL. English players are also attractive to US clubs because of their technical ability.
Telegraph Sport revealed the worrying lack of minutes played by teenagers in the WSL this season, with other leagues across Europe having significantly more home-grown talent in their match-day squads.
Harbert spent the first half of this season on loan with US club Portland Thorns, where she made five league appearances.
Her loan spell with Everton was less successful, with the midfielder making one appearance in five months. It is understood Everton have had to compensate Arsenal for the midfielder’s lack of minutes.
A permanent move to San Diego Wave represents an exciting opportunity for Harbert. She has seen fellow England youth players Keira Barry and Anouk Denton make successful moves to the US in recent months.
Barry, who left Manchester United in January, received her first call up to the Lionesses senior team shortly after joining Bay FC.
Eidevall gave Harbert her first professional contract during his time at Arsenal while his assistant coach, Natalie Henderson, made her captain of England’s under-17 side.
Harbert is highly thought of by coaches at the Football Association and this is viewed as an exciting move for her development.
