Western United forward Kahli Johnson took the outright lead in an incredible Golden Boot race last weekend – but will a rumoured overseas transfer bring a premature end to her Ninja A-League campaign?
Johnson’s club future was subject to discussion on this week’s episode of Dub Zone where A-Leagues commentator Teo Pellizzeri broke news of overseas interest in the Young Matilda, who scored her eighth goal of the season in Western’s 2-1 win over Sydney FC in Round 15.
With eight goals on the board, Johnson’s Golden Boot lead is a slender one as seven – yes, seven – players sit equal second with seven goals apiece.
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Pellizzeri was joined on this week’s episode of Dub Zone by host Amy Duggan and former A-Leagues striker Grace Gill, to discuss the enthralling Golden Boot race.
“This super hot Golden Boot race was a seven-way tie on seven goals each, and then Kahli (Johnson) broke the tie,” Pellizzeri said.
“Grace, who do you think will actually win the Golden Boot and emerge from this pack?”
“You know what? Your guess, Teo, is as good as mine.
“This is unheard of. This is completely unheard of, to have that many players (level).”
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Johnson’s eight goals have come from 16 appearances as the 20-year-old enjoys the best season of her flourishing career to date.
But whether she remains in Green and Black to continue her push for the scoring title throughout the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign remains to be seen, with Pellizzeri suggesting an overseas transfer is imminent.
“Unfortunately, I don’t think Kahli Johnson will win the Golden Boot – but for a good reason,” Pellizzeri said.
“Last season, we saw Melbourne City sold Lysianne Proulx, their goalkeeper, and Kaitlyn Torpey overseas.
“My mail is that there have been interested suitors for Kahli Johnson and that Western United might be in a position where they’ve received an adequate bid.
“To make money selling a player out of the Ninja A-League – and I do believe this will be the first time Western United’s made a transfer fee – watch this space.
“I don’t know exactly when it’s going through, but the prying eyes of overseas have come in and a bit like last season with Melbourne City, hopefully it doesn’t derail Western United form here to potentially sell one of their top players overseas.”
“You heard it here first,” Gill replied. “Teo’s mail!”
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