USWNT fullback Jenna Nighswonger to leave Arsenal on loan

USWNT fullback Jenna Nighswonger to leave Arsenal on loan

Jenna Nighswonger is set to leave Arsenal on loan, head coach Renée Slegers confirmed on Friday.

At a press conference ahead of Saturday's game against Manchester United, Slegers said the U.S. women's national team fullback would be on the move.

"Jenna will not be in the squad tomorrow, and she's close to a loan move," said the Dutch coach.

Nighswonger has struggled mightily for playing time since she joined Arsenal from Gotham FC in January 2025.

The 25-year-old has played just 16 minutes this season, frequently being omitted from the team's matchday squad entirely.

Players of NJ/NY Gotham FC pose for a team photo with the trophy and the Key to the City at City Hall during the NWSL 2025 Champions Parade at City Hall Park of NJ/NY Gotham FC on Nov. 24, 2025 in New York City. NJ/NY Gotham FC defeated Washington Spirit 1-0 on Nov. 22. Mandy Freeman #22 of NJ/NY Gotham FC poses for selfies with fans the NWSL 2025 Champions Parade at City Hall Park of NJ/NY Gotham FC on Nov. 24, 2025 in New York City. NJ/NY Gotham FC defeated 1-0 to Washington Spirit on Nov. 22. Players of NJ/NY Gotham FC pose for a team photo with the trophy and the Key to the City at City Hall during the NWSL 2025 Champions Parade at City Hall Park of NJ/NY Gotham FC on Nov. 24, 2025 in New York City. Lilly Reale #4 of NJ/NY Gotham FC poses with the trophy and the Key to the City during the NWSL 2025 Champions Parade at City Hall Park of NJ/NY Gotham FC on Nov. 24, 2025 in New York City. Players of NJ/NY Gotham FC pose for a team photo with the Key to the City at City Hall during the NWSL 2025 Champions Parade at City Hall Park of NJ/NY Gotham FC on Nov. 24, 2025 in New York City. NJ/NY Gotham FC defeated Washington Spirit 1-0 on Nov. 22. General Manager and Head of Soccer Operations, Yael Averbuch of NJ/NY Gotham FC celebrates with the Key to the City at City Hall during the NWSL 2025 Champions Parade at City Hall Park of NJ/NY Gotham FC on Nov. 24, 2025 in New York City. NJ/NY Gotham FC defeated Washington Spirit 1-0 on Nov. 22. Fans cheer as the parade bus circulates during the NWSL 2025 Champions Parade at City Hall Park of NJ/NY Gotham FC on Nov. 24, 2025 in New York City. NJ/NY Gotham FC defeated Washington Spirit 1-0 on Nov. 22. Emily Sonnet #6 and Rose Lavelle #16 of NJ/NY Gotham FC celebrate during the NWSL 2025 Champions Parade at City Hall Park of NJ/NY Gotham FC on Nov. 24, 2025 in New York City. NJ/NY Gotham FC defeated Washington Spirit 1-0 on Nov. 22. Jaedyn Shaw #2 of NJ/NY Gotham FC celebrates during the NWSL 2025 Champions Parade at City Hall Park of NJ/NY Gotham FC on Nov. 24, 2025 in New York City. NJ/NY Gotham FC defeated Washington Spirit 1-0 on Nov. 22. Laurie Tisch, Carolyn Tisch Blodgett, Emily Tisch Sussman, owners of NJ/NY Gotham FC descend from the bus with the trophies during the NWSL 2025 Champions Parade at City Hall Park of NJ/NY Gotham FC on Nov. 24, 2025 in New York City. NJ/NY Gotham FC defeated Washington Spirit 1-0 on Nov. 22. Midge Purce #23 of NJ/NY Gotham FC descends from the bus during the NWSL 2025 Champions Parade at City Hall Park of NJ/NY Gotham FC on Nov. 24, 2025 in New York City. NJ/NY Gotham FC defeated Washington Spirit 1-0 on Nov. 22. Fans cheer as the parade bus circulates during the NWSL 2025 Champions Parade at City Hall Park of NJ/NY Gotham FC on Nov. 24, 2025 in New York City. NJ/NY Gotham FC defeated Washington Spirit 1-0 on Nov. 22. Fans play drums outside City Hall during the NWSL 2025 Champions Parade at City Hall Park of NJ/NY Gotham FC on Nov. 24, 2025 in New York City. NJ/NY Gotham FC defeated Washington Spirit 1-0 on Nov. 22. Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City, speaks as NJ/NY Gotham FC receives a recognition at City Hall during the NWSL 2025 Champions Parade at City Hall Park of NJ/NY Gotham FC on Nov. 24, 2025 in New York City. NJ/NY Gotham FC defeated Washington Spirit 1-0 on Nov. 22. Mandy Freeman #22, Rose Lavelle #16 and Midge Purce #23 of NJ/NY Gotham FC react as the team receives a recognition at City Hall during the NWSL 2025 Champions Parade at City Hall Park of NJ/NY Gotham FC on Nov. 24, 2025 in New York City. NJ/NY Gotham FC defeated Washington Spirit 1-0 on Nov. 22. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 24: Jaelin Howell #7 of NJ/NY Gotham FC as the team receives recognition at City Hall during the NWSL 2025 Champions Parade at City Hall Park of NJ/NY Gotham FC on Nov. 24, 2025 in New York City. NJ/NY Gotham FC defeated Washington Spirit 1-0 on Nov. 22. Ryan Campbell #12 of NJ/NY Gotham FC celebrates with the winner's medal as the team receives recognition at City Hall during the NWSL 2025 Champions Parade at City Hall Park of NJ/NY Gotham FC on Nov. 24, 2025 in New York City. NJ/NY Gotham FC defeated Washington Spirit 1-0 on Nov. 22. Fans dance during the NWSL 2025 Champions Parade at City Hall Park of NJ/NY Gotham FC on Nov. 24, 2025 in New York City. NJ/NY Gotham FC defeated Washington Spirit 1-0 on Nov. 22. Ryan Campbell #12 of NJ/NY Gotham FC and teammates celebrate during the NWSL 2025 Champions Parade at City Hall Park of NJ/NY Gotham FC on Nov. 24, 2025 in New York City. NJ/NY Gotham FC defeated Washington Spirit 1-0 on Nov. 22.

Gotham FC honored with Key to New York City after NWSL triumph

Overall, Nighswonger has made just five appearances for Arsenal since she joined, including one start.

Nighswonger's lack of minutes at the club level has seen her lose her place within the USWNT, which she hasn't represented since February 2025.

The fullback has 20 caps for the USWNT, making her debut in 2023 and helping the team win a gold medal at the Olympics the following year.

Gotham FC selected Nighswonger with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft, and she went on to win Rookie of the Year while helping her team win the NWSL championship in her debut campaign.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:USWNT fullback Jenna Nighswonger to leave Arsenal on loan

 

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