Portland Thorns Acquire English Youth International Laila Harbert on Loan from Arsenal Through 2025 Season
NWSL Portland Thorns FC

Portland Thorns Acquire English Youth International Laila Harbert on Loan from Arsenal Through 2025 Season

Published on August 25, 2025 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Thorns announced today that it has reached an agreement with Arsenal to bring midfielder Laila Harbert on loan through the 2025 season.

The 18-year-old English youth international arrives in Portland after signing her first Women's Super League (WSL) contract with Arsenal - the reigning UEFA Women's Champions League winners - in January before going out on loan to WSL 2 side Southampton FC, where she started in eight of her nine appearances. She also spent time with WSL 2's Watford on a dual-registration agreement in 2023/24, playing 14 matches. Harbert has two appearances for Arsenal which includes a 2024 pre-season match at Washington Spirit when she came on in the second half to help the Gunners secure a 2-1 victory.

At the international level for England, Harbert captained the U-17 Lionesses to their first-ever UEFA European Championship final in 2024 and a fourth-place finish at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. Earlier this summer during the U-19 Women's UEFA European Championship, Harbert started in all of England's matches and helped her country qualify to the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.

With full support from the Thorns - the most successful team in the NWSL that boasts a record three NWSL Championships (2013, 2017, 2022), two NWSL Shields (2016, 2021), and an NWSL Challenge Cup (2021) - Harbert will develop as a member of the league's youngest core as part of Portland's effort to build a talented and competitive roster for 2025 and beyond.

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