LONDON, England — Arsenal have confirmed the permanent departure of England youth international Laila Harbert, with the midfielder completing a transfer to National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side San Diego Wave FC.
The American club announced the signing on Monday, confirming that the 19-year-old has signed a contract that will keep her at the California-based side until the end of the 2029 season, bringing an end to her long association with the North London club.
Harbert joined Arsenal’s academy at the age of nine and progressed through every level of the club’s youth system. Her impressive development earned her a first professional contract in January 2025, with the midfielder regarded as one of Arsenal’s brightest emerging talents.
Despite her potential, Harbert found first-team opportunities limited because of intense competition for places in Arsenal’s midfield. To aid her development, she gained valuable experience through several loan spells during her time at the club.
She spent the second half of the 2025/26 Women’s Super League season on loan at Everton and previously featured for Portland Thorns in the United States, making five regular-season appearances in the NWSL. Earlier loan spells at Southampton and Watford also provided the young midfielder with senior football experience.
San Diego Wave Sporting Director and General Manager Camille Ashton welcomed Harbert to the club, describing her as a technically gifted midfielder with exceptional vision, composure and significant long-term potential. Ashton expressed confidence that the England youngster would continue her development and become an important member of the squad.
Harbert also departs Arsenal with an impressive international résumé. She has represented England at multiple youth levels and started every match for the Under-19 team as they secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup.
The midfielder also played a key role in England’s triumph at the 2025 Women’s Under-23 European Friendly Finals and previously captained the Under-17 side to their first-ever UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship final in 2024 before representing her country at the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
Arsenal thanked Harbert for her commitment and contribution throughout her years at the club, while wishing her success as she begins the next chapter of her career in the United States. The move offers the highly rated midfielder the opportunity for more regular first-team football as she continues her development in one of the world’s fastest-growing women’s football leagues.
