McCabe to leave Arsenal in the summer

Breaking news from the world of sport: McCabe to leave Arsenal in the summerImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Katie McCabe has won every club trophy while at ArsenalByEmma Sanders Sport women’s football news reporterPublished16 minutes agoRepublic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe will leave Arsenal when her contract expires at the end of the season. The 30-year-old has spent 11 years with the club, making 305 appearances and scoring 37 goals. She has been one of the club's greatest players in the Women's Super League era having won the title in 2019.

McCabe played a key role as Arsenal won the Champions League in 2025 and she also has an FA Cup, three League Cups and one Champions Cup medal. She was in tears after Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Everton on Wednesday - her last game at Emirates Stadium. However, she is likely to feature in the club's final game of the season at Anfield against Liverpool on Saturday (13:00 BST).

Match Details

"Over more than a decade at Arsenal, Katie has made a significant and lasting contribution to the history and success of our football club," said Arsenal's director of women's football, Clare Wheatley. "Katie has led with passion and commitment, giving everything for the badge and forging a special bond with our supporters. "She departs as a club legend and we are so proud of our shared journey together.

"McCabe, who has started 17 WSL games this season, joined Arsenal in 2015 from Irish club Shelbourne and spent a season on loan at Glasgow City in 2017. She was voted Arsenal's player of the season in 2021 and 2023 and she will leave the club having won every trophy available. Known for her passionate performances, hard tackling, marauding runs out wide and stunning long-range strikes, McCabe's quality has been unquestionable.

However, Arsenal are undergoing a transitional year with a number of senior players leaving the club at the end of their contracts. England international Beth Mead is also departing, alongside Spain defender Laia Codina and Netherlands midfielder Victoria Pelova. The club are lowering the average age of the squad and have revamped their approach to recruitment, targeting top players early in the transfer window.

Reactions and Expectations

Spain defender Ona Batlle is close to agreeing a move to Arsenal as a free agent from Barcelona, while England midfielder Georgia Stanway is expected to join after leaving Bayern Munich. Switzerland midfielder Geraldine Reuteler, who announced her departure from Frankfurt on Thursday, has also been a target. While McCabe's departure signals a new era at Arsenal, the club have vowed to evolve and sources say they are planning for the next three transfer windows.

Ben Haines, Ellen White and Jen Beattie are back for another season of the Women's Football Weekly podcast.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.