It looks like another fresh chapter is about to begin for Lynn Williams in her domestic journey. The USWNT star, who played a key role for NJ/NY Gotham throughout the NWSL season, is reportedly seeking an exit from the New York metropolitan area-based club to sign with none other than Seattle Reign! But how exactly does this move align with Williams’ vision?

Along with Lynn, goalkeeper Cassie Miller is also being traded to the Seattle Reign in exchange for midfielder Jaelin Howell and an undisclosed transfer fee. Having arrived at Gotham in 2023, the forward who recently won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics doesn’t have a clear-cut reason to make a potential move to the Northwest. Then again, there are a few factors to consider if one looks at how far the 31-year-old has come, especially given her veteran status in the NWSL.

In a way, Williams considers Seattle a potential retirement place but one can’t also guarantee how much time she has left on her playing clock. Turning 32 in the coming summer, the Fresno, California native even makes one question if she would be able to make the cut for the 2027 World Cup, let alone forget competing in another Olympics a year later.

It’s unlikely to be a family-based decision, as the forward previously stated she wouldn’t start a family while still playing. However, Williams did express a desire to conclude her career on her home coast, signaling that she is likely nearing the final stages of her professional journey.

As unfortunate as it may sound for Gotham fans, better player compensation and increased opportunities outside of soccer might lead to earlier retirements as financial stability becomes more attainable. While seeing another forward retire would be the last thing that ardent American fans would want to see, this decision does seem to be exactly what Williams would want—a more freedom-based decision surrounding her personal life, if you will.

Ultimately, this potential move does look to be bad news for Gotham and slightly better than what Seattle Reign is getting.

Lynn Williams is a score for Seattle Reign but a loss for NJ/NY Gotham FC

In her two seasons at Gotham, Williams scored 11 goals and tallied four assists en route to back-to-back NWSL Playoff runs. Having made 18 appearances this season while notching 4 goals and 3 assits, Williams was indeed one crucial chess piece for NJ/NY Gotham FC. So one doesn’t need to state the obvious on how Reign would benefit from the USWNT forward’s presence.

The NWSL’s all-time leading scorer and third on the career assists list will give a much-needed attacking depth and boost to Laura Harvey’s side. Having finished in 13th place this season with the league’s fourth-lowest goal tally, Seattle will benefit from the forward, who brings plenty of experience since 2015 and has secured titles with the Western New York Flash (2016), the NC Courage (2018, 2019), and Gotham FC (2023).

Such a winning mentality would be invaluable for Seattle, who are still chasing their first NWSL championship despite reaching three league finals. Either way, it remains to be seen whether Williams can provide what her new team needs.