Seattle Reign fullback Lily Woodham is headed to England to join Women’s Super League club Crystal Palace FC on a short-term loan through January 2025, the teams announced on Friday. Woodham will join Crystal Palace immediately, pending the receipt of her International Transfer Certificate.
“Lily Woodham is a young player who has been adjusting to the level in the NWSL, as well as being away from home for the first time,” Seattle Reign FC General Manager Lesle Gallimore said in a team release. “As a player for her country, Lily has the chance to get minutes immediately at Crystal Palace to help prepare her for international duty as Wales looks to qualify for the European Championships in 2025. This is a pivotal moment for Lily to add more match minutes and experience. We look forward to welcoming Lily back to Seattle next season following this new experience.”
Woodham signed with the Reign from Reading before the start of the season and is under contract through 2025, with a mutual option for 2026. She has made five starts and eight appearances overall for the Reign this year.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to develop for the rest of the year at Crystal Palace,” Woodham said in the release. “I’ve learned a lot during my first season in the NWSL and appreciate the staff and team for making Seattle feel like home. I look forward to making my return in 2025.”
The 2024-25 WSL season kicks off next weekend. Palace are newly promoted after winning the 2023-24 Women’s Championship; this is their first time in England’s top league. England's transfer window closes tomorrow.
