Rosa Kafaji Joins London City Lionesses After Arsenal Spell

Rosa Kafaji has completed her move away from Arsenal, joining London City Lionesses after a two‑year stint at the north London club. The Swedish forward arrived from Häcken in August 2024 as Arsenal’s third signing of that summer window. A fee of around 2.5 million SEK (≈€220,000) secured her services, and she was handed the number 16 shirt.

Transfer Details

The permanent departure was confirmed by Arsenal, though the exact financial arrangements for the transfer remain unclear. London City Lionesses described as an “independent club” in Kafaji’s own words, the move signals a fresh start for the 23‑year‑old attacker. She will wear a familiar uniform, rejoining former teammates Freya Godfrey and Kosse Asllani, whom she praised for their supportive nature.

Kafaji highlighted the excitement of returning to a environment with “some familiar faces.” She called Freya someone she hadn’t seen in a long time and noted that Kosse is a caring person, easing her transition. The club’s independent status also appeals to the forward, who seeks a new challenge after limited playing time at Arsenal.

Arsenal Tenure Overview

Despite the hype surrounding her arrival as one of Europe’s brightest young attackers, Kafaji struggled to find a regular spot after Renee Slegers took over as head coach. The arrival of Slegers altered the tactical landscape, and Kafaji was subsequently loaned to Brighton & Hove Albion for the last season of her contract. The loan provided exposure to the English league but did not culminate in a permanent deal.

Her time at Arsenal was marked by inconsistency, reflecting the broader squad reshuffle the club is undertaking ahead of the new season. The lack of integration served as a catalyst for both parties to explore alternate options, culminating in her exit to London.

Future Outlook and Club Context

For Kafaji, the move to London City Lionesses offers a clean slate and the chance to re‑ignite her career in a less pressurized environment. Arsenal’s focus on reshaping its attacking options aligns with the broader aim of competitive preparation, while the Lionesses gain a player with experience at the top level of European women’s football. Fans can expect heightened competition within the squad as both clubs look to strengthen their positions ahead of upcoming fixtures.

The transfer also underscores a trend of Swedish talents moving between England and Sweden’s top clubs, reflecting the growing interconnectedness of the women’s game. As the season approaches, observers will watch how quickly Kafaji can adapt to her new surroundings and contribute to the Lionesses’ ambitions.

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