Wales international Angharad James has signed a two-year contract with National Women’s Soccer League side North Carolina Courage.
The Reading midfielder is set to travel stateside in the coming months, with the NWSL Challenge Cup set to start on April 9.
James told the BBC: “I move to North Carolina in the knowledge that I gave everything to Reading. I’ll continue to do so while I’m still here. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart.”
The 26-year-old will follow Reading and Wales teammate Jess Fishlock to America after she was recalled from her loan at the Royals OL Reign.
James tops a number of statistics in the WSL this season in her role as a holding midfielder. She has completed the most tackles (52), most successful pressures (119) and the most interceptions (31).
NC Courage head coach Paul Riley told the club’s official website: “Angharad is a true competitor and will thrive in our environment.
“She is intelligent, tough, and has the ability to improve all of those around her. She will be a stabilizing force in our midfield and her understanding of tactics will help us adapt our formations for the new season.
“She has an excellent range of passing and is a shrewd reader of the game. We are super excited to see her further her game in the NWSL.”
The move to North Carolina will see James play alongside the likes of ,Lindsay Agnew, Meredith Speck and Brazilian star Debinha at her new team.
She joins a side that have twice won the NWSL title, winning it back to back in 2018 and 2019.
The Haverfordwest native joined Reading in 2019 after a two-year spell with Everton and has played 29 times for the Royal’s so far, scoring twice.
A date has not yet been agreed upon between Reading and North Carolina Courage for James’ move, but an announcement is expecting in the coming weeks.
James has made 83 appearances for Wales since making her debut for the senior team in 2011 at age 17 and was named Women’s Player of the Year in 2017.
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