Laila joined our academy at the age of nine, working her way up through the age groups before signing her first professional contract with us in January 2025.

The 19-year-old defensive midfielder made her first-team debut in May 2024, coming off the bench in our pre-season match against A-League All-Stars Women in Melbourne.

In addition to her development with our youth teams, during her time with us Laila gained valuable experience of senior football through loan spells at Watford, Southampton, Portland Thorns and Everton.

Laila is an experienced England youth player, with nearly 50 appearances for the Young Lionesses across the age groups. Notably, she captained England’s under-17s at both the European Championships and the World Cup in 2024.

Everyone at Arsenal Football Club thanks Laila for her contribution during her time with us and we wish her well for her next chapter in the US.