India, Jan. 16 -- United States midfielder Sam Coffey joined Manchester City from the Portland Thorns on Wednesday, signing a 3 1/2-year contract.The transfer fee was reportedly worth more than $800,000.

Coffey, who won Olympic gold and the SheBelieves Cup with the US National team, was described by City as one of the best players in the world. "Sam is playing at the top of her game, and I think her decision to come here shows the incredible progress we've made as a club and the ambitions we have moving forward," City director of football Therese Sjogran said.

Coffey has appeared in 42 games for the United States, with four goals and five assists. She was left off the roster for the team's annual January camp, leading to speculation tha...