Fishlock and Celia Recalled from Loans with Reading and OL
OL Reign has exercised its option to recall midfielder Jess Fishlock from her loan with Reading, effective April 5, 2021. Immediately following the conclusion of the loan, Fishlock is expected to participate in the Welsh WNT camp before returning to OL Reign after the April international window, which concludes on April 14.
“Ending the loan in early April was our best option given the COVID-related challenges of international travel, including the need for extensive quarantine periods in the US and UK,” said OL Reign CEO Bill Predmore. “The time Jess has spent with Reading has helped her fully recover from the ACL injury she suffered in 2019, which should allow her to return to our club in mid-April in optimal condition.”
“I have to thank OL Reign as always for being so understanding regarding the loan, as the opportunity to train and play over the last few months has been super important to me,” said Fishlock. “I will be giving everything for Reading until my last day with the club, as they have been brilliant with me and I am thankful for the opportunity they provided. And of course, I am very, very excited for the NWSL season. I cannot wait to get back and join my gals for the season. It has been a long time coming, but I have a feeling this season for us will be great and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
OL Reign has also exercised its option to recall defender Celia Jiménez Delgado from her loan with Olympique Lyonnais. The recall will be effective as of February 28, 2021.
“Our expectation has always been that Celia would return prior to the start of our 2021 season, although the exact timing was flexible as we determined what was best for Celia, for our club, and for OL,” said Predmore. “We are appreciative of the opportunity provided by OL, as Celia’s time in Lyon was crucial to accelerating her growth as a player. We are excited to have Celia return and expect her to play an important role with our club this season.”
Celia has also been issued a permanent work visa (Green Card), allowing Celia to play in the NWSL without requiring the club to utilize an international slot.
“Being at OL pushed me to keep growing and developing as a player. I am very grateful for the opportunity both clubs gave to me,” said Celia. “I will return to Tacoma full of energy and excitement for the 2021 season. I feel great respect and passion for this team and can’t wait to get on the field and fight for the title. The journey has just started!”