Arsenal defender Jen Beattie has joined new NWSL expansion team Bay FC on a permanent deal. Arseblog News understands that Beattie has secured a good length of contract in the US.
With Leah Williamson having returned from injury, the Gunners have five first team centre backs and with no Champions League games, Arsenal feel no need to stand in Beattie’s way.
Beattie has enjoyed two spells at Arsenal, winning four WSL titles, two FA Cups and two League Cups. The Scot scored some iconic goals for the club, including in last season’s UWCL semi final against Wolfsburg. Beattie scored 33 goals in 166 appearances for the club.
Sporting Director Edu Gaspar said: “Jen has had a beautiful career with Arsenal and we want to say a big thank you for her many years with us. She has helped to bring titles to our club and as a person, she is a great example of strength. We wish her success and happiness in the USA and she is welcome here in her home at any time.”
Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley said: “Jen leaves Arsenal with the respect and admiration of every one of us. She has been a wonderful player for us across two periods here and we’re excited to watch her in this new chapter. It’s a sad moment to say goodbye to such an important Arsenal figure, but Jen will always be part of this family and we look forward to seeing her soon.”
Good luck, best wishes and thank you Jen.
It’s sad to see her Go, but it’s understandable, with the squad we have now and where she is in her career, she’s been an amazing player for us
Was a position were if everyone is fit we had a lot of players
Good luck Jen, she’s been a great servant to the club
Best wishes to you Jen. Your “Bopp Popp” was one of my most memorable moments in 60 years of Goonership.
Bless you 🙏
Yes, a classic memory, that!
Me too, that’s when l really fell in love with her 😁
This is absolutely right for her and us but so sad. Bay FC are very lucky. I’m happy to read that it’s a long contract, she will get the chance to shine.
Goodbye and thank you for everything, Super Jen.
Well I never saw that coming! I thought Jen was lined up for a back room role when she decided the time was right. Perhaps that may materialise one day but for now she would like to play for a couple more seasons and it is no secret that the pecking order for a centre back is now quite long. One thing is for sure, Emirates, Meadow Park or plain old Colney she will always be welcomed back!
So, so sad she’s going, one of my all time favourite players. I wish he all the very best and hope she has a great time in the States 😐
Now I can’t say “the big woman still there?” anymore 😭
I will miss Jen.s presence on the field. 33 goals. She stepped up for the tram when she was mist needed and the more the played the better she was. And don.t forget her brave fight against cancer; she never seemed to let her problems affect her play. I will miss her and wish her the very best of luck in her new venture. A true gooner!.