The National Women’s Soccer League’s best player might soon be leaving for Europe, and the league currently has no way of presenting a competitive financial offer.

Chicago Red Stars forward Sam Kerr has been the subject of frequent speculation since this summer’s World Cup, with reports of interest from Chelsea and Real Madrid (CD Tacon) the most prevalent.

Kerr has consistently dismissed the chatter, insisting that she is focused on winning her first NWSL Championship. She maintained that stance last week following Chicago’s final game of the regular season.

“I don’t need to talk about it,” she told reporters. “The final (playoffs) is in a week or two so [I’m] focusing on that.”

Whether or not Kerr stays in Chicago, she seems genuinely respectful of a club which gave her new life in a league she has called home since its inaugural season in 2013. She doesn’t want any conversation to be about her individually; she wants it to be about Chicago breaking its curse and winning a title.

Kerr’s next move, however, could have a domino effect which can’t be ignored. At a minimum, a move abroad would present a massive new challenge for her individually and leave a major void in Chicago’s attack. On a macro level, it would bring to the surface a reality that the NWSL increasingly needs to address: increasingly, it can’t compete financially for the best players in the world.

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