Chelsea forward Mia Fishel returns to the USA to play for Seattle Reign | OneFootball

Mia Fishel (pictured in 2022) has left Chelsea to join US side Seattle Reign. (Photo by Azael Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Mia Fishel has completed a permanent move from Chelsea to Seattle Reign FC, returning to her home country to play in the National Women’s Soccer League.

The forward has signed a multi-year contract with the club that runs through the 2029 season, marking one of the most significant transfers in NWSL history.

The move comes after two seasons with Chelsea, where Fishel was part of a trophy-laden squad but saw her time in London interrupted by injury.

Why has Mia Fishel left Chelsea for Seattle?

Speaking about her decision to return to the United States, Mia Fishel said she’s “incredibly excited to sign a long-term contract in the NWSL and take this next step” in her career with Seattle Reign.

“This league is one of the best in the world, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity,” she said.

“I can’t wait to get started and contribute to the team’s success.”

Seattle Reign FC were equally enthusiastic about the signing.

General manager Lesle Gallimore spoke highly of Fishel, calling her “a player with tremendous upside” and pointing to her knack for finding the net, creating opportunities, and her potential to keep growing.

Head coach Laura Harvey also had plenty of praise, describing Fishel as a “dangerous addition” thanks to her sharp finishing and the different ways she can impact play in the final third.

Chelsea have lost Fishel but have made a number of signings this summer.

Becky Spencer is the most recent addition, while Chelsea have also signed Livia Peng, Ellie Carpenter and Mara Alber.

Mia Fishel’s football achievements

Fishel first rose to prominence playing college soccer at UCLA, where she scored 32 goals in 59 appearances and was twice named to the All-Pac-12 First Team.

After being selected fifth overall in the 2022 NWSL Draft by Orlando Pride, she made the bold decision to begin her professional career in Mexico with Tigres UANL.

Her time in Mexico was nothing short of prolific. She scored 17 goals in her debut season, won the Liga MX Femenil Apertura title, and became the first foreign player to win the league’s Golden Boot.

In the summer of 2023, Fishel joined Chelsea on a three-year deal.

Fishel made an immediate splash at Chelsea, scoring on her first WSL appearance in a 2–1 win over Tottenham.

Her season came to a sudden halt after she tore her ACL during a USWNT training camp early in 2024. That injury kept her off the pitch for quite a few months.

She fought her way back and returned to action in March 2025. She got minutes under her belt and scored again in a strong win against Crystal Palace.

While she didn’t get as much game time as she’d have liked, Fishel was still part of a Chelsea team that had an incredible season.

Chelsea clinched a domestic treble by winning the WSL, FA Cup, and League Cup. By the time she left, she had made 21 appearances and scored four goals.

Seattle’s vision for Mia Fishel

Seattle Reign FC clearly see Mia as a big part of their future. They have shown their belief in her by signing her on a long-term deal running through 2029.

Seattle plans to build a strong, attacking team around Mia and other key players like Lynn Williams and Jordyn Huitema. The club is focused on helping Mia unlock her full potential.

Joining Seattle is the perfect opportunity for Fishel to take her career to the next level.