Wanderers lock in ALW star striker Sophie Harding on multi-year deal

Western Sydney have re-signed A-League Women star striker Sophie Harding, tying her to the club until at least the end of 2025/26 season.

Thursday’s announcement comes off the back of a career-best season for the 21-year-old, who was crowned the best player in the top-tier women’s competition.

The Julie Dolan Medallist scored a club-record 12 goals and four assists in her second season at the Wanderers.

Harding’s exploits also earned her a first Matildas call-up in February and a spot in the All Stars squad set to take on English heavyweights Arsenal FC on Friday.

Missing out on finals after a loss to Wellington derailed their post-season campaign, Harding said she was looking forward to going one step further next time out.

“It has been a massive year for the team. This year has been my most positive year in the A-League so far, so I’m looking to keep building on it,” Harding said.

“It was exciting breaking the club record (for most goals in a season), I didn’t know I was going to break it when it happened.

“Also getting my Matildas camp call-up was a massive highlight of my career and it’ll make me never forget the season just gone.

“The girls around me have been so instrumental to that. Some of the assists I’ve been given by my teammates, the confidence that my teammates and coaches have in me, and the collective hard work that we have put in on the field and at training is something that I am really grateful for.

“That’s a massive reason why I have stayed at this club as I want to continue on with that with the girls. I truly believe in the team we’ve got and where we are going.”