PSG’s Payne joins U.S. side on loan

With a statement on the club’s official website, Paris Saint Germain Feminine have confirmed the transfer of American-born Super Falcons defender Nicole Payne to National Women’s Soccer League side Portland Thorns FC on a season-long loan deal that will last until the 31st of December 2024.

The 23-year-old left-back, who joined the capital club in the summer of 2023 from the University of South California, has featured in four matches in all competitions for PSG this season and has joined Portland Thorns on a temporary basis in search of quality game time.

Her first start for the Rogue et Blue came in the club’s 8-1 white-washing of Girons de Bordeaux on January 20 helping her side amass all three points on that particular match day.

The dual national fullback, who formerly played college football for the University of South Carolina, racked up three goals in 16 appearances for the collegiate side, of which she started 15 of those games.

She also wore the colours of West Virginia University, where she recorded four goals and three assists in 53 appearances before becoming a Trojan.

Nicole made her international debut for Nigeria against Jamaica in 2021 and represented the country at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations where the team finished fourth.

She is the younger sister of 2023 Women’s World Cup star Toni Payne, who dons the colours of Spanish Liga F outfit Sevilla.

Overall, Nicole Payne has made seven appearances for the Super Falcons, including two starts.