San Diego Wave Add Arsenal Midfielder Laila Harbert Through 2029

San Diego Wave FC continued to invest in the club's future on Monday, announcing the signing of English midfielder Laila Harbert from Arsenal on a contract through the 2029 NWSL season. At just 19 years old, Harbert arrives as one of England's most promising young midfielders and gives the Wave another talented option in an already youthful midfield group.

While Harbert may not be expected to step into the starting lineup immediately, her signing reflects the club's long-term vision under Sporting Director and General Manager Camille Ashton and Head Coach Jonas Eidevall. The four-year deal is one of the longest currently on the Wave roster, signaling that San Diego views Harbert as a player they can develop over multiple seasons rather than a short-term addition. Ashton praised the midfielder's "technical quality, vision, and composure under pressure," while emphasizing the club's excitement to support her continued growth for years to come.

Harbert's path to San Diego has already exposed her to several high-level environments. After joining Arsenal's academy at nine years old, she signed her first professional contract in 2025 before gaining valuable senior experience through loan spells with Watford, Southampton, Portland Thorns FC, and Everton. Her previous loan in Portland also means she already has NWSL experience, making five regular-season appearances during the 2025 season.

The move also reunites Harbert with familiar faces. Eidevall was at Arsenal during her development, while Wave assistant coach Natalie Henderson has worked with Harbert on England's youth national teams, where she captained the Under-17 Lionesses. That familiarity could help ease her transition into San Diego's system while providing an ideal environment for her continued development.

From a roster standpoint, Harbert adds another layer of depth to a midfield that has become one of the Wave's deepest position groups. Alongside players such as Gia Corley, Lia Godfrey, Kimmi Ascanio, Laurina Fazer, and veteran Kenza Dali, Harbert gives Eidevall another technically gifted option capable of competing for minutes while providing valuable cover throughout the remainder of the season. With San Diego balancing immediate playoff ambitions and long-term roster building, adding another high-upside midfielder strengthens both objectives.