Matildas legend Michelle Heyman settles future after Canberra United frustrations and West Ham links

Matildas veteran Michelle Heyman is staying put with Canberra United after a whirlwind week of rumours about her future.

The 36-year-old was linked to an overseas move with West Ham when she appeared in the English club’s colours for a promotional email about the new season.

The image leaked while West Ham were in Perth for a pre-season tournament, suggesting a deal was close — but nothing had been announced.

It soon emerged negotiations had broken down, rebooting speculation about Heyman’s future with other A-League clubs no doubt chasing the goalscorer.

But the story was put to bed on Wednesday when Canberra announced they had secured her signature on a marquee contract — ensuring she will be paid a top wage outside the salary cap — for the third straight year.

“I am excited to be continuing my football journey with Canberra United, a club that is incredibly close to my heart,” Heyman said in a club statement.

“The club is special to me, and I have enjoyed every minute of my career with Canberra. I am feeling incredibly good, physically and mentally, and am ready to hit the ground running in the new season.

“Playing in Canberra, and in front of our amazing supporters, has been up there with some of the best highlights of my career.

“I have made many memories playing for Canberra United and am looking forward to creating many more with Ant (Jagarinec, head coach), the coaching and backroom staff, my teammates, and the fans.”

Heyman’s new contract comes after a stellar 2023-24 season in which she scored a league-best 17 goals and came out of international retirement in the wake of Sam Kerr’s ACL injury.

The goals continue to flow in green and gold, with Heyman scoring the winner in the Matildas’ dramatic 6-5 win over Zambia during the team’s ill-fated Olympic campaign.

But the likelihood of a return to Canberra was in serious doubt.

United, the A-League’s only standalone women’s club, was in danger of collapsing over funding issues partly linked to troubled discussions around a Canberra side joining the men’s competition.

Capital Football runs United on a relative shoestring budget amid rising costs and expects to transfer operations to a new privately backed venture combining the women’s team and the new men’s outfit.

The foundation club’s exit from the women’s competition was delayed at the very least when the ACT government put forward $200,000 and a men’s team did not get off the ground for 2024-25.

In the midst of the furore Heyman questioned Capital Football and threatened to walk out on the club if the situation dragged on, warning that other players might not wait it out.

And though a move to West Ham was on the cards as recently as last week Heyman has now settled her future.

“We are thrilled that Michelle has elected to continue her career in green with us here at Canberra United,” Jagarinec said.

“Michelle is unarguably one of the most famous footballers around at the moment, a leading light for the Matildas and a goalscorer of some repute.

“As our leading scorer last season, she was an inspirational figure to our squad, both on and off the pitch, and I have no doubt she will continue to be so.

“Her time with Canberra United has seen Michelle become our leading appearance maker, leading goalscorer, and earn legendary status. We are excited to see her continue her fantastic journey with us.”

Canberra previously re-signed Sofia Christopherson, Ruby Nathan and Hayley Taylor-Young, while goalkeeper Sally James has been lured back from a stint with Perth Glory.

The A-League Women season kicks off in the first weekend of November.