Canberra United have turned to a "top-class" homegrown product to spark a rebuild as the club targets marquee signings to re-emerge as an A-League contender. Subscribe now for unlimited access . Login or signup to continue reading $ 0 / $ NaN /year All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Breaking news alerts direct to your inbox Interactive Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia All articles from the other regional websites in your area Continue Sally James is set to return to Canberra as the first signing made during coach Antoni Jagarinec's reign as intrigue surrounds the future of spearhead Michelle Heyman.
The 20-year-old - who featured in Australia's squad at the 2022 FIFA under 20 World Cup in Costa Rica - started her career in Canberra before stints with Melbourne City and Perth Glory. Now she is the first domino to fall for Canberra as Jagarinec aims to build a roster capable of ending the club's finals exile. Jagarinec has been confident Heyman, who starred for the Matildas at the Paris Olympic Games, would sign a new deal and hopes James can be a crucial part of a new era after Nikki Flannery , Emma Ilijoski, Sasha Grove and Chloe Lincoln joined rival clubs.
"Sally is a bright young goalkeeper who has all the attributes you want in a top-class custodian, and we are excited to be able to bring her home for the new A-League season," Jagarinec said. "Canberra has been blessed with some great goalkeepers down the years and we are pleased that Sal.