Wales midfielder Laura Hughes has parted ways with Melbourne City, as the Australian club announced her move to pursue a new opportunity abroad.
The 25-year-old switched her international allegiance from Australia to Wales last year and has made an impressive start in Rhian Wilkinson‘s Welsh national team.
She leaves Melbourne after completing her contract, having played a crucial role in helping the team secure a domestic double in the 2025-26 season.
Over three years, Hughes made 69 appearances for Melbourne, during which the club recognized her as an integral part of one of their most successful periods.
“Laura emerged as a leader within our squad, establishing herself as one of the top midfielders in the league, and is now set to take the next step in her career overseas,” stated Melbourne’s director of football, Michael Petrillo.
While at Melbourne, Hughes earned one cap for Australia in a friendly against Chinese Taipei in 2024, but later committed to Wales late in 2025.
Hughes made her debut for the Welsh team in a friendly against Switzerland last December, and after an injury layoff, had two promising substitute appearances during the final matches of Wales’ Women’s World Cup qualifying group last month.
“I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has been part of my journey at City and wish the club success in the future,” Hughes said.
She began her professional career at just 15 with her hometown club, Canberra United, before playing in Iceland and later returning to Canberra. Hughes also had a brief stint with Manly United prior to joining Melbourne.