NC Courage Sign French Striker Valérie Gauvin
CARY, NC (March 31, 2022) — The North Carolina Courage today announced the club has signed French forward Valérie Gauvin after acquiring the international in exchange for an agreed upon transfer fee with Everton Football Club, subject to international clearance. Gauvin joins the Courage on a one-year deal with a one-year option in 2023.
“I am really proud to join the North Carolina Courage!” Gauvin said. “Since the first conversation I had with Sean, I had a great feeling about the organization. When I was younger I had the opportunity to join the NCAA, but elected to sign pro in France. It was a difficult choice back then but I always knew playing in America would be something I wanted to experience.” “This is a new challenge in my career that really motivates me,” Gauvin added. “I couldn’t be more excited to do it with a team that has reached the NWSL championship so many times and that will allow me to be a part of a competitive team in the NWSL from the jump. I’m looking forward to starting and giving it all for the fans and my teammates from the first day. Although things went really fast, I thank both clubs and my agent. I’m really happy to start this new adventure, see you soon NC!” Gauvin is a regular presence for the French first team, putting up 17 goals in 37 appearances for Les Bleues. Gauvin represented France in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, scoring the opening tally for the French against Brazil. The Sainte-Clotilde, Réunion, native has also been a powerful offensive presence for Everton since signing with the Blues in August 2020. The 25-year-old recorded five goals and one assist in 15 appearances (10 starts) for Everton in her first year with the Liverpool-based side, but an injury saw her sidelined for much of 2020-21. So far in 2021-22, Gauvin has added three starts (12 appearances) to her total. Prior to her time at Everton, Gauvin spent several seasons with Montpellier of the French Division 1 Féminine and registered 31 starts in 52 appearances (2,756 minutes), tallying 26 goals and three assists in that span. “The addition of Valérie is exciting for us,” head coach Sean Nahas said. “She’s been a goalscorer everywhere she’s played, and has had a great international career at just 25 years old. She is brilliant in the air and adds the punch we need in the final third. It may take her some time to adjust to the league, but we couldn’t be happier with her addition and the club’s effort in bringing her here. When I spoke with Valérie, she said her dream was to play in the states. I am glad we were able to make her dream come true and that she is now a part of our Courage Family.” Gauvin will report to the Courage in the coming weeks following completion of her Visa process. The Courage continue their quest for the Challenge Cup on Sunday, April 3, as they take on NJ/NY Gotham FC at 3 p.m. ET at Red Bull Arena. The match will stream live on Paramount+. For live game updates and more information on the NC Courage, follow along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
