Wales' Hughes leaves Melbourne for overseas move

Wales midfielder Laura Hughes has left Melbourne City with the Australian club revealing she is moving for a new opportunity overseas.

Hughes, 25, switched allegiances from Australia to Wales last year and has made a promising start to life as part of Rhian Wilkinson's Welsh squad.

She departs Melbourne at the conclusion of her contract having helped them secure a domestic double in 2025-26.

Hughes made 69 appearances in three years at Melbourne, who said she had played "a pivotal role in one of the most successful eras in the club's history".

"Laura became one of the leaders within our group, established herself among the competition's best midfielders and earned the opportunity to take the next step in her career overseas," said Melbourne's director of football Michael Petrillo.

Hughes was capped once by Australia during her time at Melbourne, in a friendly against Chinese Taipei in 2024, but committed to Wales late in 2025.

She made her debut in a friendly win over Switzerland last December and, after an injury lay-off, made two encouraging substitute appearances in the final two games of Wales' Women's World Cup qualifying group phase last month.

"I want to thank everyone who has been a part of my journey at City and wish the club the best of luck for the future," Hughes said.

Hughes made her professional debut as a 15-year-old for home-city club Canberra United, then had a spell playing in Iceland before returning to Canberra.

She played briefly for Manly United before moving to Melbourne.