We can confirm that Jen Beattie has left Arsenal to complete a permanent transfer to Bay Football Club in the United States.
Jen departs with our deep respect and gratitude for over eight years of service across two spells with us.
The 32-year-old centre-back first joined us in 2009, winning one league title, two FA Cups and two League Cups before moving on to Montpellier, Manchester City and Melbourne City.
Jen returned to North London in 2019 and has been an integral part of our club ever since.
Jen brought great experience and leadership throughout this second spell and helped us to win the League Cup in the 2022/23 season.
She also played a key role in our UEFA Women’s Champions League run last year, winning Player of the Match in the first leg of the semi-final against Wolfsburg in Germany before scoring in front of a sold-out Emirates Stadium crowd as we narrowly missed out on a spot in the final.
Jen successfully overcame breast cancer in 2020 and was later presented with the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Helen Rollason Award, for outstanding achievement in the face of adversity. She was also awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List 2023 for services to football and charity.
In total, Jen made 166 appearances for us, scoring 33 goals along the way.
Sporting Director Edu Gaspar said: “Jen has had a beautiful career with Arsenal and we want to say a big thank you for her many years with us. She has helped to bring titles to our club and as a person, she is a great example of strength. We wish her success and happiness in the USA and she is welcome here in her home at any time.”
Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley said: “Jen leaves Arsenal with the respect and admiration of every one of us. She has been a wonderful player for us across two periods here and we’re excited to watch her in this new chapter. It’s a sad moment to say goodbye to such an important Arsenal figure, but Jen will always be part of this family and we look forward to seeing her soon.”
The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
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