Fraser off to Utah for a record fee

• Published date: 18 April 2024
• Author: FOOTBALL
• Publication title: Daily Post, The (Rotorua, New Zealand)

Wellington midfielder Macey Fraser has moved to the Utah Royals in the United States for what the Phoenix believe is a record A-League Women (ALW) transfer fee

The NWSL side has paid a six-figure sum to secure the New Zealand international on a three-year deal with an option for a fourth.

“It’s an unreal opportunity,” Fraser, 21, said.

Wellington have not disclosed the sum, but say it is more than the previous ALW record.

That’s understood to be $100,000 paid by fellow NWSL club Bay FC for Melbourne City goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx in February.

“This is a red letter day for Macey and the club,” Phoenix football director Shaun Gill said.

“She’s been one of the best talents in New Zealand for several years and it’s great the Phoenix have been able to help her realise that potential.”

Fraser joined the club’s academy as an unheralded teenager in 2021, making a club-high five assists this campaign, and debuting for the national team earlier this year.

After helping the Football Ferns qualify for the Olympics, Fraser is considered a likely squad member for the Paris Games, where New Zealand will face the hosts, Colombia and Canada.

Fraser said she was grateful to the Phoenix “for giving me the chance to play professional...