Could there be more surprises in this season’s winter transfer window? Each day has brought remarkable developments, with moves beyond imagination. One such shock came after Crystal Dunn, who announced her exit from the NWSL just days ago, unexpectedly signed for Paris Saint-Germain. However, it seems that Parisian club fans have mixed feelings about Dunn’s arrival.

After joining NJ/NY Gotham FC as a free agent in December 2023, the 32-year-old has mutually parted ways with the New York-based club after just one season. Her contract was originally set to run until 2026, making the abrupt termination puzzling. Now, what’s even more intriguing is how she ended up at PSG in the first place.

Dunn has signed a contract with the Parisian ladies for at least a couple of seasons that will keep her at the club until 2027. This would at least help her stay in top shape, potentially boosting her chances of making Emma Hayes‘ roster for the 2027 World Cup before she ultimately decides to hang up her boots in the later stages of her career.

Of course, this isn’t the first time Dunn has moved to Europe; back in 2017, the veteran signed with Chelsea after having spent a couple of years at Washington Spirit. However, the trip to London didn’t last for more than a season, which led Crystal to make a return to NWSL and sign for North Carolina Courage for two years. The year 2020 saw her move to Portland Thorns before signing for NJ/NY Gotham FC in 2023.

Apparently, PSG marks to be the sixth club she has signed for in her career. This clearly suggests that the USWNT star does bring a lot of experience with herself. On top of that, let’s not forget how versatile she is with her ability to do justice to multiple positions across the field. Yet, it seems fans aren’t quite as enthusiastic as one might expect them to be regarding the arrival of Dunn.

A halfhearted welcome for Crystal Dunn at PSG!

Paris Saint-Germain officially made the announcement on their social networks regarding the arrival of the ex-NWSL star. However, that only saw Parisian fans rather discuss the club’s turbulent off-pitch situations, while also questioning the signature of the USWNT veteran.

Chelsea signing a player like Naomi Girma is not just about strengthening their defense but also an investment in their future. While PSG also considered following the WSL side’s approach by signing a highly regarded NWSL player, they ultimately landed Crystal Dunn. Though the veteran brings valuable experience, she is clearly not the promising young talent fans were expecting:

“Not great 32 years old but better 2 recruits between 20 and 25 for the future.”

Given that she is 32 right now, Dunn will be close to 35 towards the end of her contract. Thus this could be her last domestic club. Then again, who knows what’s there in store as she may end up going back to NWSL. 

“Welcome to the retirement home.”

Sounds like this fan is clearly not happy with the arrival of Dunn. Well, that’s because in the past as well, the French giants must have some signatures for the team that obviously didn’t settle well with the ardent fans:

“We want to build a solid team with a 32-year-old player. “Has-beens” in fact. The women’s section of PSG will never cease to surprise me, unpleasantly of course. Damn!”

Part of the frustration also stems from PSG retaining the head coach Fabrice Abriel. Under his leadership, the team seems to be giving average performances. Domestically, they occupy 3rd place in the table with a tally of just 29 points. But this fan hopes that Dunn gets treated well at her new home:

“However, every great player deserves a GREAT COACH and sports management that matches their ambitions. We won’t let you go!! Welcome to Crystal House.”

Signing a 32-year-old player might not seem an ideal answer to solve the club’s existing problem. Then again, this fan is optimistic to see what Dunn has to deliver for the club and hopes that she proves her naysayers wrong:

“Welcome to her, her experience should bring us more serenity even if I would not have opted for this choice. Curious to see her at work.”

This was just a glimpse of what you saw. Indeed, these are mixed ones from the fans who are both optimistic and doubtful about the arrival of Crystal Dunn. Either way, let’s see how it turns out to be for both parties.