ESPN has reported that San Diego Wave FC is the current frontrunner to sign Chelsea’s forward Catarina Macario. This move would bring Macario back to San Diego.

With her contract expiring this summer, the 26-year-old U.S. international has received several offers in Europe, but her preference is to return to the United States. Several NWSL teams have reportedly expressed interest. Macario rejected an extension from her current club.

Could the Wave be on the brink of making a much-needed splash ahead of the season?

Breaking: San Diego Wave FC are the current front-runners to sign Chelsea forward Catarina Macario, multiple sources have told ESPN.

A deal is not yet signed, sources emphasized, but San Diego is in advanced negotiations to acquire the U.S. international, who will soon be out of… pic.twitter.com/vx9Tk7oZwZ

— espnW (@espnW) February 13, 2026

Macario left Brazil when she was 12 years old and grew up in Southern California. From 2012 to 2017, she played with the San Diego Surf Soccer Club. She attended Torrey Pines High School, where she broke the HS school record for the most goals in a single season (34 in 23 appearances). She went on to play at Stanford.

While her contract doesn’t expire until July 1st, FIFA regulations allow players to sign a pre-contract agreement up to 6 months prior. A move to San Diego makes a ton of sense for both sides.

Since making her USWNT debut in 2021, Cat has appeared in 29 matches, scoring 16 goals and providing five assists. She has scored 15 goals in 59 appearances for Chelsea.

Macario suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury at the end of the 2022 season with OL Lyonnes, which kept her sidelined for a year and a half. She has dealt with multiple injuries but was relatively healthy this past year.

The Wave has lost significant star power this offseason with the departures of French forward Delphine Cascarino and longtime goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan. Cascarino is now playing overseas with London City, and Sheridan stayed in the NWSL, joining NC Courage.

A year ago, San Diego completed a record-setting transfer, sending defender Naomi Girma to Chelsea FC. The roster has undergone significant changes as the team shifts toward a youth movement under coach Jonas Eidevall.

Following a first-round playoff exit, losing 1-0 to the Portland Thorns, Sporting Director and General Manager Camille Ashton needs to improve the Wave roster. While the deal is not yet official, this is a promising report, and Macario would be an excellent addition to the attack alongside Dudinha and Ludmila.

San Diego will begin its season at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday, March 14, against the Houston Dash. This Saturday, they will play against the Kansas City Current at the Coachella Valley Invitational.

Sebastian Sanchez

Sebastian Sanchez was born and raised in San Diego. He recently received his bachelor’s degree in Sports Journalism from Arizona State University. A passionate storyteller who has experience covering the Phoenix Mercury and Suns. He has also written for multiple news outlets, reporting on various sports at the college and high school levels.