New Man City Signing Sam Mewis Hopeful of NC Courage Return 'Some Day'

Manchester City's newest signing is sat in a little room with a computer screen and an exercise bike hovering behind her right shoulder. Moving countries in a global pandemic isn't that glamorous.

Sam Mewis was announced as the reigning FA Cup champions' latest acquisition this week, arriving in Manchester and heading into quarantine in the city in order to be 'cleared' for pre-season training – with the WSL kicking off in less than a month.

Speaking on a video call this week, the 27-year-old World Cup winner admitted that she didn't go looking for the move to England, but said: “My agent brought this to me over the summer and my ears perked up because it was Manchester City, an awesome club. And I’d heard so many good things about the team and the league.”

Mewis admitted that the opportunity to play a full season and develop her game ahead of next summer's Olympics, especially with the NWSL season in question, played a role in her choice to head overseas.

“It’s a little scary doing something new," she said, "but I’m hoping that making this decision will continue to push me, develop me as a player and put in the best position to make the Olympic squad. I want to try and make that roster. It’s a tough roster to make, I’ve never made it, so part of me is thinking how can I be in the best position possible.”

While she's enjoying the idea of a new challenge though, saying over and over again that an overseas stint has long been a dream of hers, the UCLA Bruins product insisted that she'd like to return to the North Carolina Courage before she hangs up her boots.

"Everyone likes to accomplish certain things and develop in certain ways, experience different things. I love the Courage, I hope to return there some day, it's been an absolute honour and joy playing for them in the NWSL and being part of such a successful team. It's not like I was searching to leave, I love it there. I really hope that I have the opportunity to go back."

She added: "I told Paul [Riley, Courage head coach] when the opportunity came up and he was very supportive. Paul and I have a great relationship, and I have a great relationship with the Courage.

"I think we have a good understanding with each other of what this opportunity was going to be like for me, so I felt like I had his understanding and support in making the decision. I hope the Courage continues to retain my rights, because if I do return to the NWSL some day I'd want to go back and play for them."

USWNT teammate Rose Lavelle is been linked with a move of her own to join Mewis at the Etihad campus, but the same injury concerns that meant she was on a minutes restriction at the recent NWSL Challenge Cup could scupper the deal.

For more from Chris Deeley, follow him on Twitter at @ThatChris1209!