Gotham FC trades Nealy Martin to Angel City a day after record Jaedyn Shaw deal
Midfielder Nealy Martin moved to Angel City FC for $85,000 after requesting more playing time; Gotham completed a $1.25 million acquisition of Jaedyn Shaw the previous day.
Gotham FC on Tuesday granted midfielder Nealy Martin's request for a trade, sending the 27-year-old to Angel City FC for $85,000, the club announced. The move came one day after Gotham completed a record $1.25 million transfer to acquire U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder Jaedyn Shaw from the North Carolina Courage.
Martin, who said she wanted more playing time, left the New Jersey-based club on good terms. "More than anything I want to thank the Gotham community for taking a chance and believing in me during my time here," Martin said in a statement. "I gave my heart and soul to this club, and a piece of me will always remain in NJ/NY. It would’ve taken something very special for me to consider leaving this place, and I have found that in Angel City. As I leave excited for this new chapter with LA, my heart is so full of gratitude for every moment here."
Since joining Gotham, Martin was part of the squad that won the 2023 NWSL championship and the inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup earlier this season. She made 73 appearances for Gotham, including 62 starts, over the past three seasons. In 2025 she appeared in 16 of the team’s 19 matches, starting 12. Martin also came off the bench during the Concacaf W Champions Cup in May to help Gotham secure qualification for the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup and the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup.
Gotham general manager and head of soccer operations Yael Averbuch West thanked Martin for her contributions and said the club supported her decision to move. "We support Nealy and her wishes to move on, and we wish her nothing but the best in this next step of her career," Averbuch West said.
The trade follows Gotham's high-profile acquisition of Jaedyn Shaw from North Carolina for the largest fee in league history. Shaw, a rising U.S. national team midfielder, joined Gotham on Monday in a deal reported at $1.25 million. Gotham had beaten Angel City on Sunday in their most recent match.
Gotham enters the roster freeze period with a 7-6-6 record and a two-game winning streak. The club is sixth in the NWSL standings with about a month remaining before the roster freeze. Gotham is scheduled to play the San Diego Wave on Friday as it continues its regular-season campaign.
The Martin trade and Shaw signing reflect Gotham's roster adjustments as the club balances immediate competitive goals with player roles and minutes. Gotham provided no further details on whether additional moves were anticipated before the roster freeze. Angel City has not publicly detailed its plans for Martin since the trade announcement.