Western United attacker Kahli Johnson will depart the club to take on an exciting opportunity abroad with Canadian franchise Calgary Wild.
The club has worked closely with Johnson and her new club to help facilitate her ambitions to continue her career abroad, with United receiving a transfer fee for anA-League women’s player for the first time in its history.
The 21-year-old will play her final game for the club against Melbourne Victory on Saturday before joining former Western United teammate Jaclyn Sawicki as a foundation player in Calgary ahead of its participation in the Northern Super League – Canada’s first professional women’s football competition.
Johnson departs Western United after what has been the standout season of her senior career to date, where she currently sits level at the top of the golden boot race with eight goals.
Then an 18-year-old, Johnson was the third signing in Western United’s inaugural women’s squad in 2022 and has gone on to score 13 goals in 47 league appearances while representing Australia at two FIFA under-20 Women’s World Cups.
Johnson said she was so grateful for the time she’d spent at the club and is equally as aad to be leaving during a season.
“I’m very excited for this next chapter, I feel like my time at Western has set me up to take this next step and I’m keen to learn and grow as a player and a person,” she said.
“I would like to say a massive thank you to all the fans who have watched and supported Western during my time here. They have been incredible and played an important part in this team’s success over the last three years. I would love the chance to say goodbye to them on Saturday.”
Western United football general manager Mal Impiombato highlighted Johnson’s development and is tipping her for success in the future.
“We know that the sky is the limit for Kahli and we can’t wait to continue supporting her from afar as she reaches her goals,” he said.
