Melbourne City have confirmed Matildas midfielder Leticia McKenna will leave the club to join English side Nottingham Forest in what is a record-breaking fee for a Ninja A-League side.
McKenna departs City after five seasons at the club, having established herself as one of the most accomplished players in its history, with the fee setting a new Australian benchmark for an outgoing transfer from the Ninja A-League.
The midfielder joined City in September 2021 and went on to make 114 appearances, placing her second on the club’s all-time women’s appearances list behind only Rebekah Stott.
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McKenna scored 16 goals during her time at City and played a key role in three consecutive Premiership-winning campaigns as well as last season’s Championship triumph under head coach Michael Matricianni.
“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.”
One of McKenna’s defining moments came in the 2026 Ninja A-League Grand Final, when she scored a memorable long-range goal as City secured the Championship.
Her performances also saw McKenna emerge as one of Australia’s brightest midfield talents, earning her first Matildas cap earlier this year before scoring on debut against Malawi.
She was also nominated for the PFA Young Women’s Footballer of the Year award following an impressive 2025/26 campaign.
McKenna’s move to Nottingham Forest is the latest in a string of departures from City’s Premiership and Championship-winning squad, with six players now securing moves to Europe.
Melbourne City Director of Football Michael Petrillo said the club was proud of McKenna’s development.
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“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’s move to Nottingham Forest is the latest in a string of departures from City’s Premiership and Championship-winning squad, with six players now securing moves to Europe.
Chief among those to have departed is Matildas ace and reigning Golden Boot winner Holly McNamara, whilst the likes of Bryleeh Henry, Laura Hughes, Leah Davidson and Taylor Otto have all moved on to pastures news.
However City have also been busy recruiting players this off-season and have already pulled off some stunning moves including the signings of Matildas duo Cortnee Vine and Jessika Nash whilst Ninja A-League stars Momo Hayashi, Melina Ayres, Avaani Prakash, Taylor Ray and Aimee Medwin have all signed on.
City begin their Ninja A-League title defence away in New Zealand on the opening weekend of the campaign as they face Wellington Phoenix in a repeat of last season’s Grand Final.
