Denise O'Sullivan is expected to leave Liverpool this summer, just six months after joining as the club's record signing. The Republic of Ireland international arrived in January for £300,000 and has been a standout performer, making 13 appearances including nine in the Women's Super League and helping Gareth Taylor's side reach the FA Cup semi-finals. But her time at Anfield appears over almost before it began.
Sources have told BBC Sport that a return to the National Women's Soccer League is the most likely destination, with Gotham FC emerging as favourites. The move could involve an initial one-year loan with an obligation-to-buy clause, and Liverpool are in positive discussions expected to yield a large fee. O'Sullivan's decision is believed to be personal: she wants to go back to the United States, where she spent nine seasons with North Carolina Courage, making over 150 appearances and captaining the side.
“Liverpool club record signing Denise O'Sullivan is expected to leave this summer, just six months after joining.”
Her departure is a huge disappointment to Liverpool, who are rebuilding after a disappointing 2025-26 campaign. The Reds have already made three signings this summer but losing O'Sullivan and being unable to turn goalkeeper Jennifer Falk's loan into a permanent deal are significant blows to their plans. The 32-year-old is vastly experienced on the international stage too, with 132 caps for Ireland and a key role in their Women's World Cup qualifying campaign this year.
For Liverpool, the loss of a player who had quickly become a talisman leaves a gap that will be hard to fill, both on the pitch and in the dressing room.