5 things on Gotham FC's to-do list this offseason | OneFootball

After last season's blockbuster offseason which saw both high and low-profile additions contribute to a club record-best 2024 season, what does NJ/NY Gotham FC have in store this go around? Unfortunately, one should not go into the winter expecting to see another star-studded free agency class again this year.

Part of that is due to the smaller jump in the salary cap compared to last year. In addition, this year's free agency class lacks the top-end talent that headlined 2024.

Another key factor is that this year's Gotham team is a lot more settled than last year's. And sure, the disappointing and at times frustrating playoff loss to the Washington Spirit can be a catalyst for wanting change for many fans. But it is important to take a step back and realize that many aspects of the season were a success despite ending the season without a trophy.

Still, despite the more settled roster and lack of urgency to add multiple top-end players, that does not mean there are not things to do and decisions to be made. Here are five things that Gotham FC must do this offseason.

5. Gotham FC must re-sign Delanie Sheehan

Gotham FC has ten pending free agents, with two guaranteed to not return due to retirement. Arguably, none are of more importance to bring back than Delanie Sheehan. She was the only player on the entire roster to have appeared in every match the NJ/NY side played in 2024 and was second on the team in minutes played in NWSL regular season play.

There are very few midfielders in the world that are as potent as Sheehan when it comes to stats like progressive carries and take-ons. Clearly, this skillset meshes well with the defensive abilities of Nealy Martin and the star-quality attacking output provided by Rose Lavelle.

In addition to just wanting to retain a really good player, there would be a level of resentment from the Gotham front office in letting a player developed by the club walk for nothing in free agency. Having originally been drafted in the fourth round of the 2021 draft, she did not sign until July of that year as a National Team Replacement player. She then went on loan to Paris FC in September.

To develop a player from being someone just barely scraping her way into the league to arguably the number one midfield free agent just three years later is a remarkable achievement for Sheehan, and reflects incredibly positively on Gotham's developmental and coaching staffs.

This should be number one on General Manager Yael Averbuch West's to-do list this offseason and it is slightly worrying it has gotten to the point where her option was not picked up or a new contract was signed. Potentially having to find a replacement for her will not only be difficult but more than likely very expensive.