Katie McCabe’s future has been the topic of much speculation in recent weeks, with the Ireland captain heavily linked with a move away from Arsenal.
McCabe joined Arsenal in 2015, and has plied her trade in North London ever since, bar a brief stint on loan as Glasgow City.
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She has become an indispensable cog in the Gunners team, locked down as first-choice left-back for several seasons.
In 2023, she was named in the UEFA Champions League team of the season, before becoming the 16th Irish player to win the European competition with Arsenal last season.
However, reports earlier this month suggested that McCabe could be set to leave the Gunners when her contract expires this summer, news Carla Ward all but confirmed as she announced her Ireland squad on Tuesday.
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Carla Ward comments on McCabe and O'Sullivan moves
Katie McCabe Denise O'Sullivan Ireland WNT
28 October 2025; Denise O'Sullivan, left, and Katie McCabe of Republic of Ireland before the UEFA Women's Nations League A/B promotion/relegation play-off second leg match between Belgium and Republic of Ireland at The King Power At Den Dreef Stadium in Leuven, Belgium. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Ireland head coach Carla Ward faced the media on Tuesday after she named a 23-player squad to face France and the Netherlands in the first window of World Cup qualifiers.
Ward revealed that she had spoken to her captain Katie McCabe about her future, and hinted that she would indeed be on the move this summer.
I speak to the players quite frequently and certainly about their futures and where they're at. Yes, I've spoken to Katie.
In my opinion, Katie, I've said this for a long time pre-coming in, she's one of the best left-backs in the world. I think that she will have a lot of options. I think there'll be a lot of people wanting to speak to her, wanting her signature.
I think the beauty of it, when you're one of the very best in the world, you're not going to be short of options. Wherever she moves, in my opinion, will be a top club getting a very top player.
Her phraseology - “wherever she moves” - would suggest that a transfer is inbound over the summer window.
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Where McCabe will go is an entirely different matter.
She has been linked with a move to the USA in recent weeks, while there would no doubt be interest from Arsenal’s WSL rivals. In 2024, McCabe was heavily rumoured to be on the verge of a move to Lyon.
The fact McCabe will be available on a free will certainly be enticing to the biggest teams both in the USA and in Europe.
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One player who has moved back from Stateside is Corkonian Denise O'Sullivan.
After the best part of a decade in the NWSL, O’Sullivan has returned to this side of the Atlantic, joining WSL side Liverpool.
It is a move that her Ireland head coach welcomes.
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"I think it was a really good move, you know, delighted to have her back in the WSL," Ward said of O'Sullivan's move to Merseyside.
"In my opinion, it's the most competitive league in the world and I think for Denise it's a really good opportunity.
"You know, she's around some really good people there, they've got a good squad. Yes, they had a difficult start to the season, but they've played some good stuff, they've brought in some really good players in the window.
"Denise adding to that will be critical for their progression. Yeah, for us, it's just great to have her back closer to home."
O’Sullivan and McCabe are Ireland’s two most pivotal players, and 2026 could yet prove to be a year of great change for both.
They will both certainly be involved in major roles when Ireland take on France and the Netherlands in the World Cup qualifiers next month.
The Girls in Green host France in Tallaght on Tuesday, March 3rd, before a date with the Dutch in Utrecht on Saturday, March 7th.
SEE ALSO:Carla Ward Names Ireland Squad For Pivotal World Cup Qualifiers