Guro Reiten's Big Apple Adventure: Norwegian Ace Loans to Gotham FC from Chelsea

Imagine swapping the quiet fjords of Norway for the neon buzz of New York. That's the leap Guro Reiten is taking, ditching Chelsea for a loan spell at NJ/NY Gotham FC in the NWSL. Sources close to Sports Illustrated Soccer reckon it's a done deal, with the left-footed wizard joining until July and a pre-contract to stick around through 2029 as a free agent.

The 31-year-old has been a goal machine for the Blues, notching 12 strikes last season alone – second only to the top dog. Since rocking up at Stamford Bridge in 2019, she's hit the half-century mark in total goals. For Norway, it's 21 in 108 caps since 2014. Gotham, fresh off their 2025 NWSL Championship – their second in three years – needed firepower after shipping out Ella Stevens to Boston Legacy and trading Gabi Portilho to San Diego Wave.

From Small-Town Roots to Skyline Dreams

Reiten hails from Sunndalsøra, a Norwegian speck on the map with barely 5,000 souls. She's always shied away from big-city chaos, living on the outskirts whether in Oslo or London. Now, Jersey's suburbs will be her base as she dives into the madness of NYC.

"I'm from a tiny place, but a bit outside New York will suit me fine," she laughs. It's not just her – partner Julie and four-month-old Felix (the 'little big boss') are tagging along. The move hasn't fully hit her yet: "That's crazy!" But she's buzzing to explore, meet the squad, and tackle the NWSL's cut-throat vibe where any side can nick it on their day.

Gotham GM Yael Averbuch West chased her hard from New Year's Day, sealing it with London meet-ups. "She's top-drawer – smart, technical, versatile," says Averbuch West. Reiten fancied the ambition, fitting Gotham's winner's mentality like a glove.

Boost for the Champs and Chelsea Reunion

Gotham scraped into playoffs last season via a +10 goal difference despite middling 35 goals and an eighth-place finish. Reiten's arrival plugs that gap perfectly. She'll don No. 18, reuniting with ex-Blues mates Ann-Katrin Berger and Jess Carter – though she kept schtum on the deal, just chatting footy with Berger pre-Norway's World Cup qualifier.

"Ann loves it there," Reiten shares. She's gutted to leave Chelsea's faithful after nearly seven years of magic. "The fans made it special – I've blubbed over it. Sad end, but fresh start."

Gotham's 2026 kicks off away at Boston on 14 March, home tilt a week later on the 21st. Reiten's high IQ and left peg will juice their attack as they chase back-to-back titles. Expect goals, tricks, and that Norwegian grit.

Picture her curling one in at Red Bull Arena – the NWSL just got a whole lot spicier. Cheers to Reiten; this loan could be the transfer coup of the window.