Denise O'Sullivan returns to NWSL with Gotham FC on loan from Liverpool

Gotham FC has signed Republic of Ireland international midfielder Denise O'Sullivan on an initial one-year loan from Liverpool FC with an obligation for a permanent transfer, the club announced Tuesday. The deal is valued at €350,000, with O'Sullivan's contract running through the 2029 season plus a player option for 2030.

O'Sullivan, 32, returns to the National Women's Soccer League after spending the first half of 2026 with Liverpool in England's Women's Super League. She made 13 appearances for the Reds, scoring two goals. Her time at Liverpool included a goal on debut against London Bees and another strike against Brighton & Hove Albion. She helped Gareth Taylor's squad reach the semi-finals of the Adobe Women's FA Cup.

The midfielder spent nearly a decade with the North Carolina Courage before departing for Liverpool at the end of the 2025 season. With the Courage, O'Sullivan became the franchise's all-time appearance leader with 186 caps across all competitions. She captained the club starting in 2023 and helped secure two NWSL Championships, three NWSL Shields, and two Challenge Cups.

O'Sullivan cited personal reasons for her decision to leave Liverpool after six months. In a farewell message to Liverpool supporters, she said, "Representing Liverpool and playing in the WSL, so close to home, was something I was incredibly proud to do. From the moment I arrived, you made me feel welcome, and your support never went unnoticed."