Chicago Red Stars Reportedly Adding Julia Grosso

The NWSL transfer window is still weeks away from opening but it appears the Chicago Red Stars are getting a head start on the proceedings.

Chicago will acquire Canadian international midfielder Julia Grosso after the former University of Texas star spent the past three seasons with Juventus in Serie A, according to a report from Sandra Herrera of CBS Sports.

Grosso will be a member of Canada’s Women’s Olympic Soccer Team during the Summer Olympics in Paris, so it’s expected that she will join the Red Stars once she’s done competing. She will directly compete against future teammates Mallory Swanson and Alyssa Naeher, who will suit up for Team USA at the Olympics. 

Since joining Juventus in 2022, Grosso has made 50 league appearances (43 starts) while collecting nine goals and eight assists in over 3,500 minutes on the pitch.

Upon joining the Red Stars for the final push towards the 2024 NWSL playoffs, Grosso will instantly become a competitor for a starting spot. Leilanni Nesbeth has shown promise as a rookie, but the club is rightly looking to upgrade at a spot that had been held down by Julia Bianchi and Cari Roccaro through last season. Roccaro has been alright but Bianchi has fallen out of favor and has a contract that runs out after the season, so Grosso can fill an attacking need for Chicago alongside Mallory Swanson.

The NWSL transfer window officially opens on August 1 and Grosso will be expected to join Chicago later that month upon her return from the Olympics.

What’s On Tap Next?

The Red Stars will host the Houston Dash at SeatGeek Stadium on July 6. The match is scheduled to kick off at noon and will be broadcast on ESPN.