Washington Spirit sign Tanzania striker Clara Luvanga through 2029

Washington Spirit have signed Tanzania international forward Clara Luvanga from Saudi club Al-Nassr on a four-year contract running through the 2029 season. The National Women's Soccer League club announced the transfer on Wednesday, confirming that it paid a fee to Al-Nassr but did not disclose the amount.

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The move places the 21-year-old in line to become the first Tanzanian player in NWSL history, according to the Spirit. She joins Washington with the regular season already under way and with the club preparing for the playoffs. The Spirit's next scheduled home match is against Boston Legacy FC at Audi Field on Sunday, September 13.

Luvanga spent three seasons with Al-Nassr after joining the Riyadh club in 2023. Washington's announcement says she helped Al-Nassr win three consecutive Saudi Women's Premier League titles, as well as the Saudi Women's Cup, Saudi Women's Super Cup and the 2026 WAFF Women's Clubs Championship.

Her most recent league campaign produced the clearest measure of her scoring record. Luvanga won the Saudi Women's Premier League Golden Boot after scoring 24 goals, the Spirit said. She also scored a hat trick in the 2026 Saudi Women's Super Cup final, adding another major performance to her record before the move to the United States.

The transfer fee remains a point of uncertainty. BBC Sport reported that the deal is believed to be among the most expensive in women's football and could potentially set a world record. However, neither Washington Spirit nor Al-Nassr has published a figure, so any record status cannot be confirmed from the clubs' announcements.

Luvanga made her senior Tanzania debut in 2024, according to Washington. Before moving to Al-Nassr, she played for Spanish side DUX Logroño after developing with Yanga Princess in Tanzania. The Spirit described the signing as an addition for the playoff run, with sporting director James Hocken highlighting her ability to score in different ways and the range she can bring to Washington's attack.