Catarina Macario’s previously proposed move to the NWSL is reportedly on the verge of becoming complete.
Macario is set to join San Diego Wave before the NWSL Transfer Deadline later today, The Athletic reported. She is reportedly set to sign a five-year deal with the club in a deal that will earn her roughly $8 million in guaranteed money, Sportico added.
A former Stanford University standout and California native, Macario made the move to French side Lyon after her collegiate career. She scored 19 goals and added five assists in 37 appearances with Lyon, winning two trophies.
She later joined WSL giants Chelsea in 2023, but did not debut for the London club until March 2024 after recovering from a torn ACL. Macario has made 49 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 12 goals, and winning five trophies, including two league titles.
Macario had been sidelined since December due to a foot issue. She was in attendance on Sunday at Ashton Gate as Chelsea defeated Manchester United 2-0 in the Women’s League Cup Final.
After debuting for the USWNT in 2021, Macario has scored 16 goals in 29 caps. She was part of the Bronze Medal winning roster in 2021 and helped the Americans win the SheBelieves Cup on three occasions.
The Wave have not had a potent offense since before Alex Wagner retired, so they definitely need this help. They have been juggling offensive players for the past two season and the result is that in their first game of the season, at home, they failed to score.,