Jenna Nighswonger’s move to Arsenal from Gotham FC last January has not gone exactly as planned. Since joining the Gunners she has made just six appearances for the club with just one coming this season. It was clear that she needed a move to find playing time and it’s being reported that she has found a new club for the rest of the year. Over the weekend, Aston Villa announced that the fullback is joining the team on loan until the end of the 2025-26 season.
The timing is fortunate for the fullback as the US will compete to qualify for the 2027 World Cup this year. In 2024 Nighswonger made 16 appearances for the national team and was one of the rising stars on the roster. He struggles to find playing time for Arsenal saw that number drop to just two last year. While the move is welcome, she will still need to earn playing time for both club and country to regain her footing in her career.