NWSL: Laila Harbert joins Portland Thorns FC on loan from Arsenal | OneFootball

Arsenal Academy graduate Laila Harbert has joined NWSL outfit Portland Thorns on loan until January 2026. The signing makes the 18-year-old the youngest English player in NWSL history.

The midfielder joined Arsenal at the age of nine and developed through their academy, while also gaining international experience in the England youth groups. Harbert has yet to make a competitive appearance for the Gunners, but she made her senior debut in a pre-season friendly against A-League All-Stars Women in May 2024.

Harbert went on to sign her first professional contract with Arsenal in January 2025. She subsequently spent the second half of last season on loan at Southampton FC in the Women’s Championship, where she impressed with her ability to dictate play and create attacking opportunities. The youngster also spent the 2023/24 season on dual-registration at Watford, where she made 14 appearances.

Harbert is an experienced England youth international. She captained her country at the UEFA Women’s under-17 European Championships and the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup. She most recently represented the England Under-19s at the European Championships, where she shone in defensive midfield alongside Chelsea’s Lexi Potter.

The opportunity to spend time on loan in the NWSL will provide Harbert with a chance to learn from experienced midfielders such as Sam Coffey, whilst also gaining valuable minutes for her development. The NWSL side has a reputation for developing young players, and the addition of Harbert will add to their midfield depth.

The Portland Thorns currently sit fifth in the NWSL table and will next take on the Utah Royals on Friday, August 29, at 7:30 pm PT.

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