Bay FC of the National Women’s Soccer League has acquired American national team midfielder Claire Hutton from the Kansas City Current for an intra-league transfer of $1.1 million.
The 20-year-old defensive midfielder signed with Current after graduating from high school at the end of 2023. Last season, he started 25 regular season games (22 starts) and was named to the NWSL Best Eleven First Team.
Hatton also made 13 appearances for the senior national team, scoring one goal. She captained the U.S. team against Paraguay last month and received the armband from Trinity Rodman. With a 6-0 victory.
Bay manager Emma Coates said in a statement: “Claire is an important signing for us. She is a top quality player with a strong grip on the ball and has the mobility and physical presence to break up play.” “Despite her age, she brings experience and strong mental fortitude and we believe she has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in the world.”
The transfer fee of $1.1 million is one of the highest ever paid in the NWSL.
Bay FC, which plays its home games in San Jose, California, finished second from bottom in the league standings last season with a record of 4 wins, 14 losses, and 8 losses. Coach Albertin Montoya resigned at the end of the season.
Coates was appointed in December after previously managing England Under-23s.
“It’s clear from Coach Coates how detailed her vision is and how much she values challenging her players to continue to grow,” Hutton said. “The standards she is trying to set and the environment the club is building really resonated with me. I’m excited to join a group that competes at the highest level and lifts each other up every day while winning championships.”
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