Official: Lindsey Horan Transferred to Lyon
The transfer is official.
The Portland Thorns have officially announced that Lindsey Horan has been transferred to Olympique Lyonnais for an agreed upon free, according to the team’s press release.
The transfer fee will be 250,000 euros which is approximately $275,000 USD. This is one of the largest transfer fees ever, and may also include up to an additional 50,000 euros ($54,780) in performance bonuses.
In October of 2015, Portland traded Alex Morgan and Kaylyn Kyle to Orlando for Number 1 draft pick (Emily Sonnett), two international slots, Meghan Klingenberg, and Lindsey Horan.
The former NWSL MVP spent six seasons in Portland (2016-2021). She started 105 games (106 total appearances) in all competitions, recording 31 goals and 14 assists.
In 2018, Horan was named NWSL MVP in 2018 after tallying 14 goals and 3 assists. She was 2-time NWSL Best XI selection, 2-time Second Team Best XI, and 2017 NWSL Championship MVP.
Horan played a huge role with the Thorns, that included her playing an integral part in the team collecting the following trophies: 2 NWSL shields, an NWSL Championship, an NWSL Challenge Cup, and the Women’s International Champions Cup.
In 2021, she was voted 2021 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year. The USWNT star won the Women’s World Cup in 2019 and a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
Lindsey Horan on what her time in the Rose City meant to her (via a Press Release):
“Portland holds such a special place in my heart, I made many incredible memories I will never forget. On top of that, I also had the opportunity to win multiple trophies and share that success with so many amazing people. I want to thank all those at the Thorns organization who have supported me along the way, my teammates, my coaches, and of course, the best fans in the world. Playing for this club and city and getting to experience gameday at Providence Park brought me great joy during my career. For me, Portland will always be home. Thank you for understanding my goals and dreams in my continuing career.”
General Manager Karina LeBlanc on the Lindsey Horan Transfer (via a Press Release)
“Since Lindsey left on loan for France we have remained in contact and continued the dialogue about her return to Portland. She has had a tremendous experience at Lyon, and we are thrilled for all of her success. In our discussions, Lindsey expressed her desire to remain there long term and continue that journey. She has our full support, and we are grateful for all the success she has helped bring to this club.”
Make no mistake, Lindsey Horan is one of the best players to ever don a Portland Thorns kit.
Thank you #10 for your time in the Rose City.
We wish her (and her dog Ferguson!) nothing but the best!
What was your favorite Lindsey Horan soccer memory? I’ll start:
Just sad to see her go.
She once gave Little Thornando great advice for aspiring 8s and 10s ("concentrate on your finishing and technical footwork."), and she was quick with a smile and a self-depricating joke (e.g., about her dark-dyed hair stage).
I've always admired her competitive fire and love for the game, as well as her ability to laugh and enjoy herself.
And then there was this:
https://www.insider.com/olympic-soccer-canadian-captain-comforts-club-teammate-uswnt-2021-8
It's time to turn the page, I know, but I'm gonna miss both of them when that moment comes.
Can we use this sweet sweet transfer money on an elite CB? No offense to anyone on the team, but with Becky likely gone for the season , we have a need, and perhaps the funds to bring someone in.