Goodbyes are tough, especially with those you have spent little yet significant time with. Take Christen Press, who has been part of Angel City since 2022. During that time, it’s only natural to assume she has built some meaningful friendships, especially with those she has known for years. But who would have imagined how deeply she would feel the departure of someone who only became her teammate last year?

Well, that special someone goes by the name of Katie Zelem.

You might argue that the friendship between the English midfielder and the USWNT forward is hardly limited to a single season, as years ago, the two also spent at least a couple of seasons together in Europe at Manchester United. Even so, the real talking point is Zelem’s decision to leave the NWSL just a year and a half after arriving, to make a return to the WSL by signing for newly promoted side London City Lionesses. Regardless of the time or duration, the impeccable bond between them compelled Christen Press to bid Zelem a heartfelt farewell.

Taking to Instagram, the 36-year-old forward shared a goodbye note for her former teammate. In her first story, while sharing a training picture alongside Zelem, she wrote, “Goodbye to my work wife @katiezelem – it was a year of laughs & cries & palm trees & perfect bungalow gifts & truly rooting for each other. I hope you return to the UK as the most politically correct Brit! Make us proud.”

With this goodbye, one would expect both of the soccer stars to try catching up with each other through video phone calls. However, Press also subtly revealed that she will also try to stay connected with her best friend by supporting her new club. Adding another story by sharing an interview video of Zelem with London City Lionesses, the former Manchester United star wrote, “I’ll know what WSL team I’ll be rooting for this season. Go @Katiezelem! Go women!!!!!”

Looks like Katie Zelem has the full support of Christen Press, who is clearly wishing her former teammate well as she embarks on a similar yet different chapter — even if the English midfielder is leaving her midseason. After all, this move can be seen as a homecoming for the Failsworth native, who has spent the majority of her career in the UK. Having begun her journey with Liverpool from 2013 to 2017, she then spent a couple of seasons with Juventus.

In 2018, she signed for Manchester United, where CP23 joined her at Carrington for the 2020 and 2021 seasons before the USA veteran eventually made the move to Angel City FC. As the years went on, Zelem also left United in 2024 for an NWSL switch, reuniting with Press. But now, the two are once again parting ways — which explains just how meaningful Press’ message truly is for both of them.

Notably, Katie Zelem isn’t alone as veteran defender Alanna Kennedy also moved alongside her to the very same destination. Both players had contracts remaining with the Angels, hence London City Lionesses are believed to have paid an “undisclosed fee” to fulfill the transfer. Kennedy has featured in the starting lineup for 16 of 17 NWSL games this season, whereas Zelem has appeared in 15 matches, starting only six of them.

Just like Zelem, Alanna Kennedy also has significant WSL experience, having enjoyed a brief stint with Tottenham Hotspur as well as spent three and a half seasons with Manchester City before arriving in the States. Now both players have made a successful WSL return. However, this potential raiding of Christen Press’ Angel City teammates doesn’t end here!

Christen Press to bid a potential farewell to another Angel City teammate!?

Beyond the departures of Katie Zelem and Alanna Kennedy, another key name is rumored to be on the way out of BMO Stadium — none other than Alyssa Thompson. The 20-year-old forward, who was selected as the first overall draft pick in 2023 at just 18 years old, has also been linked with a move to the WSL — though not to the London City Lionesses.

As per reports from Guardian journalist Tom Garry, Chelsea has set its sights on signing Alyssa Thompson. The London club has already made official contact with Angel City FC and is eager to finalize the deal before the transfer window shuts next Thursday. Manager Sonia Bompastor is actively searching for a top-class winger, and the USWNT sensation — widely regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in the women’s game — fits the bill perfectly.

While no details have yet surfaced regarding the transfer fee, it is believed that bringing Thompson to Stamford Bridge would require Chelsea to break the world record for a women’s transfer. The 20-year-old forward has already made 16 NWSL regular-season appearances, tallying six goals and two assists. 

In the recent game against reigning champions Orlando Pride, she even scored the winning goal for her side, securing a crucial three points. However, that barely changes the larger picture of their situation. With just 20 points earned from five wins, five draws, and seven losses in 17 matches, Alexander Straus’ squad currently sits 10th in the NWSL table.

On top of that, we are now witnessing back-to-back exits, with yet another departure reportedly on the horizon. Whether this move materializes or not, it would undoubtedly be a massive blow for Christen Press and company. Not to mention, it highlights just how dire things have become for Angel City. Pressure is mounting as the NWSL regular season nears its end and teams begin gearing up for the playoff rounds.

And here we are, hearing rumors of Alyssa Thompson potentially leaving her NWSL side in such a critical moment. Either way, only time will tell how this situation unfolds. In the meantime, share your thoughts in the comments below.