Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe to leave Arsenal in 2026

Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe will leave Arsenal when her contract expires at the end of the 2026 season.

McCabe's Arsenal legacy Republic of Ireland skipper Katie McCabe will depart Arsenal once her contract reaches its conclusion at the end of the 2026 season. Over the course of 11 seasons with the club, she made 305 competitive appearances and netted 37 goals. In the Women's Super League era, she stands among the club's most distinguished players, clinching the league title in 2019. Her contributions were pivotal in Arsenal’s Champions League triumph in 2025, alongside triumphs in the FA Cup, three League Cups, and one Champions Cup. ## Emotional farewell at Emirates McCabe was visibly emotional following Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Everton on Wednesday, her final match at Emirates Stadium. Despite the tears, she is expected to feature in the club’s concluding fixture of the season on Saturday at Anfield against Liverpool, kicking off at 13:00 BST. ## Club honors McCabe's impact Arsenal’s director of women’s football, Clare Wheatley, reflected on McCabe’s tenure, stating: 'Over more than a decade at Arsenal, Katie has made a significant and lasting contribution to the history and success of our football club.' Wheatley added, 'Katie has led with passion and commitment, giving everything for the badge and forging a special bond with our supporters. She departs as a club legend and we are so proud of our shared journey together.' ## McCabe's career milestones Joining Arsenal in 2015 from Shelbourne, McCabe spent a single season on loan at Glasgow City in 2017. She was named Arsenal’s player of the season in both 2021 and 2023, leaving the club having claimed every available trophy. Renowned for her fiery performances, robust challenges, explosive runs down the flanks, and spectacular long-range strikes, her excellence has never been in doubt. ## Arsenal's squad overhaul Arsenal are in the midst of a transitional phase, with several senior players set to leave upon the expiration of their contracts. England international Beth Mead is among those departing, alongside Spain defender Laia Codina and Netherlands midfielder Victoria Pelova. The club is actively lowering the average age of the squad and has revised its recruitment strategy to secure top talent early in transfer windows. ## New arrivals on the horizon Spain defender Ona Batlle is nearing an agreement to join Arsenal as a free agent from Barcelona, while England midfielder Georgia Stanway is anticipated to sign after departing Bayern Munich. Switzerland midfielder Geraldine Reuteler, who announced her exit from Frankfurt on Thursday, has also been identified as a potential target. ## Future planning at Arsenal While McCabe’s departure marks the beginning of a new chapter at Arsenal, the club has affirmed its commitment to evolve. Insiders indicate plans are already in motion for the next three transfer windows. The club’s leadership has expressed optimism about the future direction of the squad.