As the 2025 NWSL regular season nears its end, fans are eagerly anticipating the playoffs and the intense competition that comes with it. However, instead of witnessing teams making massive turnarounds on the pitch, we are seeing unexpected transfer moves. The latest one has left Portland Thorns fans upset as their star player Hina Sugita has been transferred to Angel City for a whopping $600,000.
The news of Sugita’s transfer has come as a shock to many fans, who were hoping to see her lead the Thorns to a successful season. The 25-year-old midfielder has been a key player for the Thorns since joining the team in 2022. Her impressive performances on the pitch have earned her a loyal fan base and she has become an integral part of the team.
Sugita’s transfer to Angel City has left many Thorns fans disappointed and upset. They took to social media to express their feelings, with many calling the move a “betrayal” and “heartbreaking”. One fan wrote, “This s**ks. Sugita was the heart and soul of our team. How could she leave us like this?” Another fan tweeted, “I can’t believe this is happening. Sugita was our star player and now she’s gone. This is a huge blow to our team.”
The Thorns management, on the other hand, has defended their decision to transfer Sugita. In a statement, they said, “We understand that this news may come as a shock to our fans, but we want to assure you that we have made this decision after careful consideration. We believe that this transfer will benefit both the player and the team in the long run.”
Sugita’s transfer to Angel City is not just a loss for the Thorns, but also for the NWSL as a whole. The Japanese international has been a standout player in the league and her skills and talent will be missed by fans and teammates alike. However, her move to Angel City is a testament to the growing popularity and competitiveness of the NWSL, as top players from around the world are now choosing to play in the league.
Angel City, the newest team in the NWSL, has been making waves in the league since its inception. With star players like Sugita joining their ranks, they are quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with. The team’s owner, Natalie Portman, expressed her excitement about Sugita’s transfer, saying, “We are thrilled to have Hina join our team. She is a world-class player and we believe she will make a huge impact on and off the pitch.”
Sugita’s transfer to Angel City is a huge loss for the Thorns, but it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and fill the void left by her departure. The Thorns still have a strong team and with the playoffs just around the corner, they will need to regroup and focus on finishing the season on a high note.
As for Sugita, her move to Angel City presents a new challenge and a chance to showcase her skills on a bigger stage. She will join a star-studded team and will have the opportunity to compete for the NWSL title. While her departure may have left Thorns fans upset, they can take solace in the fact that they had the privilege of watching a talented player like Sugita represent their team.
In the end, transfers are a part of the game and while they may be difficult to accept, they are necessary for the growth and development of the league. As the NWSL continues to attract top players from around the world, we can expect more unexpected transfer moves in the future. For now, Thorns fans will have to come to terms with Sugita’s departure and continue to support their team as they push for a successful season.
