Portland Thorns News Roundup: Sam Coffey in talks to join Manchester City, Reilyn Turner earns first ever USWNT call-up, and team signs Alabama forward Maddie Padelski

Another day, another defensive midfielder from the Rose City looking set for a shock exit.

Sam Coffey in discussions to join Manchester City

According to Tom Garry of The Guardian, Portland Thorns captain Sam Coffey is in 'advanced talks' to sign with Manchester City of WSL.

Garry reports that she was granted permission to fly to Manchester, attempting to finalize the move. Multiple sources have said it is close to completion.

Sam Coffey signed an extension in 2024 (without a press release) through the 2027 season, so there's two years remaining on the contract.

The USWNT January roster dropped today, and the USWNT midfielder was omitted from it – The Guardian mentions it is in relation to her traveling to England.

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With Sophia Wilson's return, new state-of-the-art facility opening, and new head coach for the Portland Thorns, it all seemed like 2026 would be the year for the club to return to their dominant ways.

However, the captain seems to be on her way to Manchester.

How did we get here? This is the result of ownership in the previous front office being content with things and making many missteps along the way.

After the 2022 NWSL Championship, the Portland Thorns under Karina LeBlanc had every opportunity to continue their dynasty, but instead they fell behind the modern NWSL landscape.

Sam Coffey's time in Portland included three head coaches in four seasons: Rhian Wilkinson, Mike Norris, and Rob Gale. Even after a third place finish in the NWSL table and semifinal appearance last year, it was clear they were one or more steps behind Kansas City Current and Washington Spirit.

Instead of continuing the expectations of excellence and being ambitious, the club fell further behind.

If there was a player who meant everything to the club, city, and community, it was Sam Coffey.

To lose a player of this caliber is never easy, but it's one you have to prepare for. She has done everything asked of her and more. Coffey will excel anywhere.

The superstar has spoken about her dreams of playing in Europe one day, and it looks like that day is about to arrive.

This decision seems out of the control and hands of Jeff Agoos and the new front office. There's not much you can do the undo the years of mediocrity under the old front office.

The expectations in the Rose City will continue even when you lose big names. It's what you do next that matters and does all the talking.

The questions now are, can Portland extract maximum value from Man City? Can Agoos deliver with big-time moves ahead of the 2026 season?

Center back continues to be a massive need for the squad, and now it looks like defensive midfielder is as well.

Reilyn Turner's Excellence

After a career season with the Portland Thorns, Reilyn Turner has earned her first ever call up with the USWNT.

In just her second season in the NWSL, Turner became one of the most versatile players in the league. She was able to play central and out wide on the wings. She ranked near the top of xG, aerial duels, and much more.

This call-up is one that is deserved but also a culmination of all the hard work she continues to put in. It's a dream come true. 2026 could be a true breakout season for the now USWNT forward.

With injuries to Morgan Weaver, Caiya Hanks, and Julie Dufour on the frontline, the Portland Thorns could use a major boost from Turner, Wilson, and Tordin.

Alabama Crimson Tide's Maddie Padelski

Today, the Portland Thorns announced the signing of University of Alabama forward Maddie Padelski with a two-year contract through the 2027 season. 

Padelski, 18, leaves the Crimson Tide as a sophomore with multiple years of eligibility remaining.

A blossoming and rising star in the NCAA, the club made the early move for the talented attacker.

“Maddie is an extremely driven player hungry for challenge and growth,” President of Soccer Operations and General Manager of Soccer Operations Jeff Agoos said. “As a forward, she is aggressive in and out of possession with an ability to beat defenders head-on. She also has a pressing mindset that fits our intention to command the field and physical speed to play our fast-tempo game.”

Internationally, Padelski won bronze at the 2024 at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with the USYWNT — the team’s best finish since 2008.

She was the youngest player in 2024 in NCAA, entering college at 16-years-old.

In 36 matches (27 starts) with the Alabama Crimson Tide, she scored eight goals and tallied three assists (2029 minutes).

After signing Stanford junior Shae Harvey, the club has followed it up with Alabama sophomore Maddie Padelski.

Stumptown Radio: Stanford sports’ play-by-play commentator talks Shae Harvey signing with Portland Thorns and what to expect from the rookie midfielder

Stanford Sports’ play-by-play commentator and the Women’s Soccer Show co-host, Sara Ach, joins us on Stumptown Radio to talk the latest Portland Thorns signing, Shae Harvey.

Stumptown FootyPhuoc Nguyen (Fook Win)