“This is not a goodbye, this is just an ‘I’ll be back soon,'” remarked Sofia Huerta last September as she bid a temporary farewell to Seattle Reign to pursue her European dream with OL Lyon. Although the Mexican-American star could have left the National Women’s Soccer League for good, she left fans with a glimmer of hope for a return. Fast forward to today, and Huerta is indeed back where she belongs. But not every exit is temporary—some are meant to be permanent, like USWNT world champion Morgan Gautrat stepping away from the NWSL for good.

And by good, we actually mean ‘retire‘. This reminds us of Emily Fox, who left North Carolina Courage and joined Arsenal last year. Still in her 27s, one can expect the US defender to make a return someday in her nation’s domestic league. But guess what Fox had to say about that? Well, just for context, words like “committed“, “100%“, and even “can’t imagine going anywhere else” were used, meaning in her mind, she, too, has retired from the NWSL.

Then again, in the case of Morgan Gautrat, it looks like the age of 32 finally made her realise that it’s time to bid farewell to the NWSL. Even though it was just last summer that the veteran midfielder signed for Orlando Pride after enjoying a season with KC Current, she leaves the club mid-campaign to join Newcastle United Women’s on loan for the remainder of the season.

“We want to thank Morgan for her incredible contributions to our club and the NWSL. Her professionalism, leadership, and dedication have made a lasting impact on our organization and the league as a whole,” said Haley Carter, Vice President and Sporting Director of Orlando Pride, in a statement, insisting the club fully supports the 32-year-old’s decision.

As for Gautrat, she had a message for those upset with her decision, which came at quite a surprising time. “I’m at a point in my career where I want to be a leader and want to be a part of making a mark and a legacy at a place like this at Newcastle to make history,” she said as per ESPN, hoping to quickly integrate with Becky Langley and Co.

Moving to a legendary club like Newcastle United doesn’t mean she will be enjoying the highs of the WSL, or better known as the Women’s Super League. For your information, the Magpies are in FA WSL 2, a.k.a. the second division in England’s women’s domestic landscape (Yes, fellow Americans, welcome to the concept of promotion and relegation).

Then again, in Gautrat’s heart, it’s all about enjoying the opportunity of playing abroad. “I’ve always wanted to play overseas and experience a different footballing culture and immerse myself in something like Newcastle,” said Morgan, who has spent over 11 seasons in NWSL with clubs including Pride, Current, Chicago Red Stars, and her first club, Houston Dash, joining them as the first draft pick in 2015.

Despite playing so many clubs in America, Orlando Pride remains Morgan’s most successful stint, winning the 2024 NWSL Shield last November, before adding the NWSL Championship title as well. Heck, just don’t consider Newcastle as Gautrat’s first-ever European trip. The 2x World champion also enjoyed a season with OL Lyonness, even helping them win the 2017–18 Division 1 Féminine.

Interestingly, Orlando Pride had an option to extend Morgan Gautrat’s stay for another year. However, a report from The Athletic reports she and her agent received a sign that the NWSL side won’t be exercising her stay option, which was only valid to start looking for opportunities elsewhere. Thankfully, the right place at the right time just made this move possible for the USWNT veteran.

Now, this season, Morgan’s focus will be on helping the Black and White secure promotion to the WSL. At the same time, it has also given Gautrat a boost of confidence to consider things she might not have thought about in previous years!

USWNT return a ‘Never say never’ possibility for Morgan Gautrat!

Having made over 88 appearances for the US Women’s National Team, the last time Morgan Gautrat wore the Stars and Stripes was in 2022. Though one may consider it as stepping down a level — a quiet admission that this stage of her career has ended — that couldn’t be further from the truth! “Never say never, but I had a really good, long stint with the national team,” she said in an interview with The Athletic.

Sure, a lot of travelling and grind due to the double duty for both club and USWNT felt exhausting, taking a lot of mental, physical, and emotional toll on me for a long time. However, she won’t mind having fun back in the national camp, which indeed has gone through certain changes since the arrival of Emma Hayes.

“It would have to be special and the right moment if I were ever to go back and entertain that, but obviously I would love to play for my country. I’m also at the point where I like to focus on my club. You know, if that opportunity came, then great, and we would kind of see where we were,” added the former NWSL star.

Well, you hear that, Emma Hayes? Looks like someone is desperate to wear the red, blue, and white colors after quite some time. Then again, Gautrat admitted she hardly ever spoke to the English tactician, who herself spent over a decade at WSL, guiding Chelsea to immaculate success. This only means there’s little chance for the veteran to enjoy her last dance on the international front.

Either way, hope remains to see this happen someday. For now, it remains to be seen how Morgan Gautrat does at Newcastle United. Share your views in the comments.