by Orlando Pride has announced that the Maltese international will be donning the black and blue of Inter, marking a return to Serie A for the promising forward. She signs with the Italian club upon the transfer of an undisclosed fee, following a spell with the National Women’s Soccer League team, Orlando Pride. The Italian club is still yet to announce the signing.
Bugeja bids farewell to the Pride
Orlando Pride announced that they have reached an agreed fee with Inter Milan, for the latter to secure the services of Haley Bugeja. The forward was acquired by the NWSL side in July 2022 and made six appearances during her time with the club.
The vice president of Soccer Operations and general manager, Haley Carter, praised the youngster for her maturity, noting, “Haley has demonstrated maturity and professionalism well beyond her years while here in Orlando and we value having had her as a member of our Orlando Pride family. It was important for us to do right by her and help identify an opportunity where she could earn more game time and continue her development on and off the pitch. We wish her the best of luck in this next chapter of her career.”
Meanwhile, Bugeja praised the support received by the club, team, and fans alike, “I would like to thank the Orlando Pride and the fans for a wonderful year in this city and on this team. I have grown so much as a player and as a person.” Bugeja said, “I would also like to thank the Club for the work they have done to help me, not only while here as a player, but also in setting up this next move for my career. I will always be a fan of this team!”
Bugeja’s Return to the Serie A
The deal marks a highly anticipated return to Serie A for Haley Bugeja, following a successful stint with Sassuolo between 2020 and 2022, where she debuted at just sixteen years old. During her time there, the Maltese forward went into double figures in her goal tally in thirty-six appearances for the club.
She will be hoping to make a marked impact and recapture the scintillating form she had in her time in Italy, with eyes firmly set on helping Inter achieve glory in Serie A. The Nerazzuri finished fifth in the league last season, under the leadership of former Italian international Rita Guarino.
Besides her eye for goal, Bugeja is also one who presents a threat in one on one situations, capable of taking on defenders on the dribble or through sheer pace. The nineteen-year-old has been touted as one of the most promising players of her generation, alongside the likes of Melchie Dumornay (Olympique Lyonnais), Mary Fowler (Manchester City) and Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid).
Having had her beginnings with Mgarr United in Malta, Bugeja moved to Sassuolo for two years in 2020. The time there was followed by a short spell at Orlando Pride, before being snapped up by Inter. The club has not yet announced the signing.
Photo: Orlando Pride
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[…] thirty-six appearances for the side. She makes the return to Serie A following a season with Orlando Pride in the […]