North Carolina Courage shakes up NWSL with signing of USWNT gem | OneFootball

North Carolina Courage marked their presence in the NWSL market with the signing of USWNT midfielder and one of the most promising young talents in world soccer, Jaedyn Shaw. In a big trade with San Diego Wave FC, Shaw joins the Courage on a contract running through 2026. Let's explore what this signing means for the club, the player, and the future of the league.

A heavy but promising investment

The trade that brought Jaedyn Shaw to North Carolina wasn't cheap: The Courage paid $300,000 in allocation money, an international slot for 2025 and 2026, plus transfer fees that could total $225,000. All told, the deal could exceed $600,000-a price that shows just how confident the club is in the impact Shaw can have on the field.

Her signing means that the Courage is thinking big, not only in terms of competitiveness but also in positioning as a powerhouse in the league.

Numbers and accomplishments

Still only 20 years old, Shaw has already played three seasons in the NWSL, scoring 13 goals and providing four assists in just over 3,000 minutes. Her creation is quite impressive, with 64 opportunities created in the last two seasons.

On the international scene, Shaw is equally impressive. Having made her debut for the USWNT in 2023, she has scored eight goals and had one assist in 21 matches. Among the titles she has won include the 2024 Summer Olympics, CONCACAF W Gold Cup, and the SheBelieves Cup all in 2024. She was further awarded the Golden Ball at the Gold Cup, further cementing her place as one of the best players in the tournament.

What Shaw brings to North Carolina Courage

Jaedyn Shaw has it all: technique, vision, and dribbling in one package. And as head coach Sean Nahas puts it, she fits right into the Courage's mold of play: "Her quality on the ball, both in possession and on the dribble, along with her composure in and around the box, can unlock opposition defenses”.

But Shaw's impact goes beyond the field. Her presence will draw more attention to the Courage, both from the media and fans. With her rising international career and a history of accomplishments, she has everything it takes to become the face of the team.

Shaw's arrival into the Courage fold also could not have come at a better time. The Courage are looking towards a new NWSL title, and it is possible that Shaw may provide just the needed spark. Her ability to play both creator and finisher offers Coach Nahas various tactical options.