Liverpool are bracing themselves for a significant blow this summer as Denise O'Sullivan, the club's record signing, looks set to leave Merseyside just six months after her arrival. The noises out of Anfield suggest the Republic of Ireland international is on her way back to the United States, with NWSL side Gotham FC emerging as clear favourites to land her signature.
O'Sullivan made the move to Liverpool in January for a fee of £300,000, instantly becoming the most expensive signing in the club's women's football history. Despite the brevity of her stay, she has been one of Gareth Taylor's standout performers, racking up 13 appearances — nine of them in the WSL — and playing a key part in the side's run to the Women's FA Cup semi-finals.
Her departure, by all accounts, is a personal decision rather than a professional one. The 32-year-old spent nine seasons across the Atlantic with North Carolina Courage, making over 150 appearances and captaining the side, and is believed to be seeking a return to a country she knows well. Liverpool, to their credit, are said to be in positive discussions with both O'Sullivan and Gotham, and sources close to the situation indicate the Reds expect to receive a substantial fee in return.
Loan with obligation to buy mooted
Reports suggest the deal could be structured as an initial one-year loan, with an obligation-to-buy clause built in. It is a creative piece of business that would allow Liverpool to recoup significant funds while Gotham secure the player they want without committing to a permanent deal from the outset. The market will be watching closely to see what fee is ultimately agreed, given O'Sullivan's profile and the £300,000 Liverpool paid to bring her to England in January.
A blow to Liverpool's summer plans
The timing is far from ideal for a Liverpool side that endured a disappointing 2025-26 campaign and are pushing to reshape their squad this window. Taylor's side have already made three signings, but losing O'Sullivan — combined with their failure to convert goalkeeper Jennifer Falk's loan move into a permanent arrangement — leaves genuine gaps to fill before the new season kicks off.
O'Sullivan's experience will be difficult to replace in a hurry. The midfielder has earned 132 caps for the Republic of Ireland and was a central figure in their Women's World Cup qualifying campaign this year. Her quality on the ball and leadership in the dressing room are precisely the attributes Liverpool need more of, not fewer.
There is still hope within the club that further transfer business can be done, and Liverpool remain active in their search for reinforcements. But losing their most expensive signing after just half a season is a setback by any measure, and supporters will be hoping the club moves quickly to bring in a replacement of comparable calibre before the window closes.
For now, O'Sullivan's time on Merseyside looks destined to be a brief but impactful chapter — one that simply could not compete with the pull of a life she had built across the Atlantic over nearly a decade.
Frequently asked
- Why is Denise O'Sullivan leaving Liverpool?
- O'Sullivan's decision is understood to be a personal one. She spent nine seasons in the United States with North Carolina Courage and is keen to return to America, making a move back to the NWSL the most likely outcome.
- How much did Liverpool pay for Denise O'Sullivan?
- Liverpool signed O'Sullivan in January for £300,000, making her the club's record signing in women's football at the time of her arrival.
- Which club is signing Denise O'Sullivan?
- Gotham FC are reported to be the favourites to sign O'Sullivan. The deal is expected to be structured as an initial one-year loan with an obligation-to-buy clause, with Liverpool set to receive a significant fee.