Melbourne City FC can confirm Matildas midfielder Leticia McKenna will depart the Club to join English side Nottingham Forest in a permanent transfer for a record-breaking fee.
The fee sets a new Australian benchmark for an outgoing transfer from the Ninja A-League, further highlighting the pathway Melbourne City continues to provide for players to develop and earn opportunities overseas.
McKenna joined City in September 2021 as a young player with significant potential and leaves as one of the most accomplished footballers in the Club’s history.
Across five seasons in City blue, the midfielder made 114 appearances, placing her second on Melbourne City’s all-time women’s appearances list behind only Club great Rebekah Stott.
An influential and consistent presence in midfield, McKenna scored 16 goals during her time at City and played a key role in three consecutive Premiership-winning campaigns.
One of her defining moments in City blue came earlier this year in the 2026 Ninja A-League Grand Final, when she scored a memorable long-range goal to help City secure the Championship.
Her performances at City also saw her emerge as one of the country’s brightest midfield talents, earning her first Matildas cap earlier this year before scoring on debut against Malawi.
McKenna’s impressive campaign was further recognised when she was named among the nominees for the PFA Young Women’s Footballer of the Year award.
McKenna’s move is the latest example of City players earning opportunities on the world stage, with six members of the Club’s 2025/26 Premiership and Championship-winning squad now securing moves to Europe.
Melbourne City FC Director of Football Michael Petrillo said McKenna’s journey was one the Club was incredibly proud of.
“Leticia arrived at Melbourne City as a young player who we believed could develop into an integral part of our team,” Petrillo said.
“To see her leave as a Matilda, a Championship winner, second on our all-time women’s appearances list and now as part of a record-breaking transfer for the league is something we’re extremely proud of.
“That journey is a credit to Leticia’s talent, work ethic and the way she has embraced every opportunity in front of her.
“Her move to Nottingham Forest is thoroughly deserved. It also reflects the standards our players are exposed to every day, and the work of our coaches and staff in helping talented young footballers fulfil their potential.
“We thank Leticia for everything she has given to the Club and wish her every success as she takes the next step in her career in England.”
McKenna said she would always look back fondly on her time in City blue.
“These last five years at Melbourne City have been so special, and this Club will always feel like home to me,” McKenna said.
“I’ve been lucky to share so many incredible moments with amazing teammates, coaches, staff and supporters, and I’m really proud of everything we were able to achieve together.
“From Rado to Dario and Michael, I’ve had the privilege of learning from some incredible coaches who have helped me grow so much as a player and as a person.
“I’ll always be grateful for the opportunities Melbourne City has given me, and I’ll be following the Club closely from afar.”
