-
Jeff Kassouf
Multiple Authors
United States midfielder Croix Bethune has signed with the Kansas City Current, while USWNT midfielder Claire Hutton has joined Bay FC. Both transfers were confirmed on Wednesday and involve seven-figure fees.
Kansas City will provide the Washington Spirit with $1 million for Bethune’s transfer, while Bay FC will pay the Current $1.1 million for Hutton.
Both players are promising young talents for the USWNT and have previously played for just one NWSL team.
Bethune sought a trade earlier this offseason, according to multiple ESPN sources. According to league rules, all trades must have player consent.
These transfers mark the second and third highest intra-league deal values in NWSL history, following last year’s record when Gotham FC acquired U.S. playmaker Jaedyn Shaw for $1.25 million from the North Carolina Courage.
Kansas City’s payment includes $900,000 in transfer fees and $100,000 in allocation funds to total $1 million for Bethune.
“We appreciate Croix’s contributions during her time here,” stated President of Soccer Operations Haley Carter. “After discussing her interest in pursuing new development opportunities, we crafted a deal that fulfilled her request while also securing substantial value for our club, marking the third-highest intra-league transfer in NWSL history and a top ten global mark.”
Bethune was selected third overall by the Spirit in the 2024 NWSL Draft. She equaled the league record for assists in a season with 10, despite suffering a season-ending injury in late August. She earned accolades as Rookie of the Year, Midfielder of the Year, and was included in the league’s first XI.
Additionally, Bethune made a significant impact on the USWNT, being named an alternate for the 2024 Olympic team and later joining the roster due to an injury to Shaw. She made her Olympic debut during the group stage as the USWNT aimed for its fifth gold medal.
With seven caps for the USWNT, she scored her first international goal during her latest appearance in a 5-0 victory over Chile.
Bethune predominantly plays as an attacking midfielder in the No. 10 position, and she played a key role in the Spirit’s back-to-back NWSL Championship appearances.
Hutton, a standout defensive midfielder, made a significant impact as a teenager.
She joined Kansas City as an 18-year-old before the 2024 season and started in 19 matches for the Current.
Last year, she made 22 starts, helping Kansas City achieve the NWSL Shield in a historic manner. Hutton also earned a place in the league’s first XI.
“Claire is a crucial addition for us. She’s a high-caliber player who excels with the ball and has the agility and strength to disrupt play,” said head coach Emma Coates. “Even at a young age, she brings valuable experience and a strong mentality, and we believe she has the capability to emerge as one of the world’s top midfielders.”
Her outstanding form has led to frequent call-ups to the USWNT, where she has 13 caps and one international goal.
Hutton captained part of the USWNT during their 6-0 victory over Paraguay last month, marking her first time wearing the armband.