The trio will end their tenures with the Liverpool FC Women at the end of this season. All three were honored for their time with the club ahead of the last home match at Anfied on Sunday.
A high amount of turnover from season to season has unfortunately been the norm for in women’s football, with so many of the players on one or two year contracts. The Liverpool FC Women have a big summer ahead with the search for a new full time manager and several key players who will be out of contract. The Reds have confirmed that three players will not be returning next season.
It was announced late last week that the trio of Teagan Micah, Jasmine Matthews, and Yana Daniels will all be leaving the club at the end of the season. They are joined by Niamh Fahey, who announced her retirement last week as well. All four players were recognized for their contributions prior to Liverpool’s last home match against Everton this past Sunday.
Teagan Micah joined Liverpool ahead of the 2023-24 season, and was expected to challenge for the starting spot. Micah was late to join the Reds after being a part of the Australian team that made the semifinals of the World Cup that summer, but she eventually was given the starting gloves. Unfortunately for Micah, a mixture of injuries and inconsistent form led to her never completely taking over the starting from the venable Rachael Laws. Micah started seven WSL matches in both of her two seasons for Liverpool. She conceded 23 goals across her 14 appearances in league play.
Jasmine Matthews and Yana Daniels both joined the Reds in the summer of 2021 from Bristol City Rovers. For Daniels, it was her second stint with Liverpool after playing 15 matches for the club in 2018-2019. Both players were integral to Liverpool earning promotion back into the WSL after winning the FA Women’s Championship in the 2021-22 season.
Jasmine Matthews joined the club primarily as a center back, but showcased her versatility in playing extended stints at both left wing back and holding midfielder during her time with the club. Despite serving in a more defensive role, Matthews scored five goals for Liverpool. Her cultured left foot served up some delicious passes and crosses as well.
Yana Daniels was also a player lauded for her versatility, being deployed as a wide forward, a central striker, a wingback, and a midfielder. She served more in a reserve capacity once the club were promoted back to the WSL, but she was always willing to put in a shift when called upon.
In the case of Matthews, Daniels, and Fahey leaving the club, Liverpool will have a chance to get an infusion of younger talent into the squad. Matthews and Daniels are both 32, while Niamh Fahey is 37.
With Teagan Micah leaving, Liverpool will likely again be in the market to find a successor for Rachael Laws. Rachael Laws is 34, and Faye Kirby is still quite young (21) and unproven. Kirby is also coming off of an ACL injury that saw her miss almost a full year of development.