Given how long it takes for players from outside the league to adapt to the physicality and travel of the NWSL, I wish Fishlock’s replacement were already on the roster

"She's got a coach's brain, and she's got an elite footballer's brain, and so replacing her is impossible," Gallimore notes, while also confirming that it is the club's top priority for 2027. "We need an elite 10, probably more likely than not," she noted, adding that the Reign want to bring in someone with experience to complement this young roster.