Katie McCabe: Arsenal’s Republic of Ireland midfielder to leave club at end of season

Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe will leave Arsenal when her contract expires.

The 30-year-old spent 11 years with the club, making 305 appearances and scoring 37 goals.

She is one of the club’s best players in the Women’s Super League era, winning the title in 2019.

McCabe was instrumental as Arsenal won the Champions League in 2025 and has an FA Cup, three League Cups and a Champions Cup medal.

He was in tears after Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Everton on Wednesday – his last game at the Emirates Stadium.

However, he is likely to feature in the club’s final game of the season at Anfield against Liverpool on Saturday (13:00 BST).

“With more than a decade at Arsenal, Katie has made an important and lasting contribution to the history and success of our football club,” said Arsenal’s director of women’s football, Clare Whitley.

“Katie has led with passion and commitment, giving everything for the badge and creating a special bond with our supporters.

“He leaves as a club legend and we are very proud of our shared journey together.”

McCabe, who has started 17 WSL games this season, joined Arsenal from Irish club Shelbourne in 2015 and spent a season on loan at Glasgow City in 2017.

He was voted Arsenal’s player of the season in 2021 and 2023 and will leave the club having won every trophy available.

Known for his passionate performances, tough tackling, deceptive runs out wide and stunning long-range strikes, McCabe’s quality is unquestionable.

However, Arsenal are going through a transition period with several senior players leaving the club at the end of their contracts.

England international Beth Mead Spain defender Laia Codina and Netherlands midfielder Victoria Pelova are also departing.

The club has lowered the average age of the squad and changed their approach to recruitment to target top players early in the transfer window.

Defender of Spain Ona is close to agreeing a move to Butle Arsenal are expected to join Arsenal as a free agent from Barcelona, ​​while England midfielder Georgia Stanway is expected to join after leaving Bayern Munich.

Switzerland midfielder Geraldine Reutler, who announced her departure from Frankfurt on Thursday, has also been targeted.

While McCabe’s departure signals a new era at Arsenal, the club have vowed to evolve and sources say they are planning for the next three transfer windows.