Neely Martin’s Departure from Gotham FC

Neely Martin’s chapter with Gotham FC has officially come to an end. The midfielder had requested a trade, and on Tuesday, the club confirmed they would send the 27-year-old to Angel City FC for $85,000.

Martin expressed a desire for more playing time and left the team amicably, seeking an opportunity elsewhere. According to sources, she requested the trade with goodwill towards the franchise.

“I sincerely want to thank the Gotham community for believing in me,” Martin shared. “I poured my heart and soul into this club, and a part of me will always be tied to New York. It would have taken something truly special for me to leave here, and I found that with Angel City.” She reflected on her journey as she moves into this new phase of her career.

Since joining Gotham, Martin has contributed significantly, helping the team clinch the 2023 NWSL Championship and their inaugural CONCACAF W Champions Cup earlier in the season. Over the past three years, she has made 62 starts in 73 appearances. In 2025 alone, she played in 16 out of 19 games, making 12 starts.

Notably, she took to the pitch off the bench during the CONCACAF W Champions Cup in May, aiding Gotham in qualifying for both the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup and the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup.

Yael Averbuch West, Gotham’s general manager and head of football operations, acknowledged Martin’s impact on the team, saying they fully support her decision.

Interestingly, the news of Martin’s trade follows closely behind Gotham’s acquisition of US women’s national team midfielder Jedin Shaw from North Carolina’s Courage for a record-breaking $1.25 million.

Currently, Gotham sits sixth in the NWSL standings with a record of 7-6-6, having won their last two matches, including one against Angel City on Sunday. Their season continues as they prepare to face the Waves in San Diego this Friday.