London, July 4, 2023 – Arsenal have officially announced the signing of Alessia Russo, ending one of the most significant transfer sagas in the history of the Women’s Super League (WSL). The 24-year-old English striker and Euro 2022 hero joins the Gunners following the expiration of her contract with Manchester United. This exciting addition to the Arsenal Women’s team is expected to bring a new dimension to their attacking prowess.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Russo said, “I’m thrilled to be here and eager to get started. Winning trophies is my goal, as it is for everyone in this club. I can’t wait to contribute and grow as a player in this new challenge and environment.”
A Homecoming for Russo
Russo’s arrival at Arsenal carries a sense of homecoming as her footballing roots trace back to London and Southern England. Born in Maidstone, Kent, she grew up in a football-loving family, with her father and brother both involved in non-league football. Russo took her initial steps in the world of football by playing for Bearsted FC U10s, a small village near her birthplace. Following her success at Euro 2022, Bearsted FC acknowledged her birthplace by installing a plaque in her honour.
She later moved to London and joined Charlton Athletic’s Centre of Excellence. At the time, Charlton was a prominent force in women’s football, having won league and FA Cups and frequently finishing as runners-up to the dominant Arsenal. Notable names such as Eni Aluko, Katie Chapman, and Casey Stoney, who later became Russo’s manager at Manchester United, were associated with Charlton. Additionally, current Liverpool boss Mat Beard worked there as an assistant coach. In 2006, Russo served as the club mascot alongside Casey Stoney before eventually moving to Manchester United.
📸 An incredible set of images.
2️⃣0️⃣0️⃣6️⃣: @CaseyStoney the player, meet @AlessiaRusso7 the mascot 👋
2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣0️⃣: @CaseyStoney the manager, meet @AlessiaRusso7 the player 🤝#MUWomen pic.twitter.com/e04kKpmbjn— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) September 10, 2020
Unfortunately, Charlton’s days competing at the top level were numbered. The relegation of their men’s team necessitated cost-cutting measures to ensure financial stability, putting their women’s team in serious jeopardy. Although funding was eventually secured, it came too late to prevent a mass exodus of talent, leading to the team’s relegation the following season. Three years later, Russo left for Chelsea, where she captained their youth team under the guidance of Mark Parsons. She made her debut for the club in a Conti Cup tie against London Bees in 2016, but the match ended in disappointment as the Bees held Chelsea to a 3-3 draw before defeating them on penalties.
However, this would be Russo’s only appearance for Chelsea. Ahead of the 2017 Spring Series, she joined Brighton, who were then playing in the WSL 2 (equivalent to the Barclays Championship at the time). During this mini-season, Russo made seven league appearances, scoring three goals. Notably, she scored Brighton’s first-ever goal in the WSL 2, securing a 1-1 draw against London Bees.
American Sojourn and University Success
Despite her promising start, Russo decided to move to the United States to pursue her education while continuing her footballing career. Seeking advice from her former academy coach Mark Parsons, who was coaching Portland Thorns in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), Russo enrolled at the University of North Carolina. She played for the North Carolina Tar Heels alongside her college roommate Lotte Wubben-Moy, who had also left Arsenal to study in the States. Russo achieved success during her time in the US, winning the ACC Women’s Soccer Tournament in her first season and being named the tournament’s MVP and North Carolina’s best newcomer. In total, she spent three seasons in the States, scoring 28 goals and winning the ACC WST again in 2019.
However, the COVID pandemic disrupted the 2020 college soccer season, and Russo, like many other athletes, faced uncertainty and challenges during this period. Despite the disruption, she continued to train and maintain her focus on football.
Impact at Manchester United and England
After completing her college career, Russo returned to England and joined Manchester United Women in July 2020. It was a significant move for her, as she had the opportunity to work with manager Casey Stoney, whom she had admired during her time at Charlton. Under Stoney’s guidance, Russo continued to develop as a player and showcased her talent on the pitch.
During her time at Manchester United, Russo made a significant impact. She contributed to the team’s success, helping them secure a top-four finish in the WSL and reach the final of the Continental Cup in the 2020-2021 season. In the following season, Russo’s performances reached new heights as she played a crucial role in Manchester United’s run to the FA Cup final, scoring key goals along the way. Her standout moment came in the final against Chelsea, where she scored a stunning long-range goal to equalize, forcing the match into extra time.
Another look at that Alessia Russo goal? Oh, go on then. 😍
Live: https://t.co/zg8cPsrbEf#BBCFootball #BBCEuros pic.twitter.com/9y7bdKLZ5r
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 26, 2022
Russo’s performances didn’t go unnoticed, and she received recognition at the international level as well. She made her debut for the England national team in June 2021, scoring on her first appearance against North Macedonia. Russo’s impressive displays continued, and she earned a place in the squad for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. In the tournament, she played a vital role in England’s success, helping them reach the final. Although England fell short in the final against Germany, Russo’s performances throughout the tournament established her as one of the rising stars in women’s football.
Following the conclusion of Euro 2022 and the expiration of her contract with Manchester United, speculation grew about Russo’s next move.
Arsenal’s Reckless or Ambitious Move?
As the January transfer window neared its end, Arsenal found themselves in a state of crisis. The team had been dealt a severe blow with two star forwards, Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema, sidelined due to ACL injuries. Consequently, the once-prolific goal-scoring machine had come to a halt. Following a 1-1 draw with Chelsea and a goalless stalemate against West Ham, Arsenal had created numerous scoring opportunities but lacked the clinical finishing touch. The pressing need for a top-quality forward became undeniable, especially as Stina Blackstenius struggled to find the back of the net. Efforts to secure the services of Debinha and Cloe Lacasse had fallen through, leaving Arsenal facing the grim reality of potentially not signing anyone for this crucial position. However, just as time was running out, David Ornstein shocked the footballing world with a sensational revelation on the eve of the transfer window’s closure.
🚨 EXCL: Arsenal Women make world-record offer to sign Alessia Russo from Man Utd. With no breakthrough in new contract talks (current deal ends this summer), #AWFC have submitted huge bid for 23yo England striker. Not accepted yet @TheAthleticFC #MUWomen https://t.co/aPwSAfhFVe
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 30, 2023
Entering her final year of the three-year contract she had signed upon her return to England, Russo’s future at Arsenal remained uncertain. Despite the club’s efforts to persuade her to extend her stay, negotiations had hit a dead end. Arsenal had long been admirers of Russo, expressing interest in her since she expressed her desire to return to England. Seizing what they saw as an opportunity, Arsenal made a bold move to secure her signature. Unfortunately, their pursuit proved futile. Manchester United, recognizing Russo’s immense value as a vital attacking asset, had no intention of parting ways with her, regardless of the financial incentives Arsenal offered.
With three consecutive fourth-place finishes, Manchester United appeared poised to finally break into the top three, and Russo, alongside Toone, Galton, and former Arsenal winger Parris, played a crucial role in their ascent up the table. Despite their efforts, other clubs rebuffed Arsenal’s offers, leaving the club empty-handed and running out of time to secure a new striker. Adding insult to injury, it later emerged that Arsenal had even offered Stina as part of a swap deal for Russo, highlighting the club’s desperate attempts to secure her services. The failed transfer became a public embarrassment for Arsenal, leaving those involved feeling humiliated.
Manchester United Gamble, Arsenal Win the Prize
As Arsenal became the target of ridicule for their ill-advised and chaotic transfer pursuit, Manchester United took a significant gamble of their own. They were desperate to convince Russo to extend her contract beyond the season’s end, knowing that losing her for free would be a costly blow. Unfortunately for them, this gamble has now backfired in a major way. Despite managing to secure qualification for the UWCL, Manchester United fell just two points short of the title and suffered defeat in the FA Cup Final.
Meanwhile, in London, Stina rediscovered her form, Arsenal clinched the Continental Cup, and secured a place in the UWCL qualifiers based on goal difference. The tides of fortune have shifted dramatically. Arsenal players are committing themselves to the club, while an air of hesitation hangs over Carrington, Manchester United’s training ground. Ona Battle joins Barcelona, and now Russo has also departed, bidding farewell to the club she cherished and joining a team that appears to be on the rise. Her new club will undoubtedly embrace her with open arms.
“I think the growth of the women’s game has been incredible, but particularly at a club like Arsenal. The sell-out against Wolfsburg at Emirates Stadium last season was fantastic, and I’m just really excited to be part of this club.”
– Alessia Russo
Despite scoring 4 goals in the last 4 games against Arsenal, Russo surprisingly holds high regard within the Arsenal fanbase. She fills a crucial void in the team that Jonas has been vocal about needing to address in the past two transfer windows. While Stina performed admirably as the lead striker in the latter half of the season, having a rotational option is essential, especially considering Arsenal’s struggle to recover from multiple ACL injuries. Russo’s attributes align perfectly with Jonas’ philosophy, possessing physicality, speed, and excellent finishing abilities. Her aerial prowess is also a welcome addition, as Arsenal has experienced shortcomings in that area before.
“Alessia is one of the best forwards in the world and has significant potential to continue growing and improving. She has a proven track record of scoring goals in the WSL and at the international level and we believe she will be a quality addition to our forward line, so we’re all delighted to have brought her to the club.”
– Jonas Eidevall
Securing the signing of 24-year-old Russo is a remarkable achievement for Arsenal and a significant blow to Manchester United. Although Russo is still developing and has room for improvement, her potential is immense. At Arsenal, she will have the opportunity to be shaped into the forward Jonas has always desired. After two disappointing summer transfer windows, as openly acknowledged by Jonas, Arsenal seems to have finally struck gold.
Russo will proudly don the iconic number 23 shirt for Arsenal, a number that holds personal significance for her. Russo’s exceptional skills, unwavering determination, and drive for success position her to make a lasting impact at Arsenal and contribute to their pursuit of silverware.
Written by Adam Salter and Unnati Naidu
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