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Washington Spirit coach Jonatan Giráldez is reportedly in discussions with OL Lyonnes to become the clubs next head coach.
Coaches and players jump between the United States and Europe all the time. What makes this move unique is that Michele Kang owns both teams.
A source within the Spirit organization declined to comment on reports of Giráldez’s potential new position.
ESPN reported Thursday that details of the move are still being finalized and discussions are ongoing but the position is available because the French club’s current coach, Joe Montemurro, is leaving to become the Australian women’s national team coach.
The Spirit are currently 11 matches into the season, with their final match of the regular season scheduled for October 18. Meanwhile, OL Lyonnes will resume play in the fall, giving Giráldez time to finish the NWSL season.
Kang owns the London City Lionesses of the Women’s Super League in addition to OL Lyonnes and the Spirit, raising questions about the potential for her to move players between clubs. The multi-club model, which refers to a single ownership group owning multiple clubs across different countries and leagues, has become a common business practice in international soccer.
For example, the United Arab Emirates’ City Football Group owns Manchester City, New York City FC, and Melbourne City FC among other smaller clubs.
The NWSL is largely regarded as the preeminent league for American players. However, a number of high-profile players have recently opted to leave the NWSL for European clubs. In January, San Diego Wave F.C. agreed to a reported $1.1 million transfer fee, sending star defender Naomi Girma to Chelsea. World Cup winner Crystal Dunn signed a two-year deal with Paris Saint-Germain after she and Gotham FC agreed to “mutually part ways.”
As Kang continues to build out her soccer empire—with ESPN reporting that she plans to add a fourth club to her portfolio—player movement to and from the Spirit will garner attention.
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