Crystal Palace have signed Puerto Rico international defender Caitlin Cosme on a contract until 2027, subject to international clearance.
The 27-year-old arrives after spending two seasons with FC Nantes in France’s Première Ligue and joins Jo Potter’s squad for Palace’s return to the Women’s Super League.
Cosme brings experience from France, Iceland and the United States to a Palace defence that has started the 2026/27 WSL season strongly.
Transfer snapshot
Player: Caitlin Cosme
Club: Crystal Palace
Previous club: FC Nantes
Position: Defender
Age: 27
International team: Puerto Rico
Contract: Until 2027
Status: Subject to international clearance
Cosme joins Palace after two seasons in France
Cosme spent the previous two seasons with Nantes after joining the French club in July 2024. During her first campaign, Nantes finished seventh in the Première Ligue before improving to fourth place in 2025/26.
Her move to England represents the latest step in a career that began in the United States. Born in New York, Cosme played college football for Duke University between 2017 and 2021. She helped the Blue Devils win the Atlantic Coast Conference during her first year before being selected by Orlando Pride in the first round of the 2022 NWSL Draft.
Cosme made six appearances across all competitions for Orlando before eventually moving to Europe.
Experience in Iceland and France
Her first European move came in April 2024 when she joined Icelandic side Stjarnan. The defender made 12 appearances and scored three goals during her short spell in Iceland before moving to Nantes that summer. Palace manager Jo Potter believes that experience can help her side during their first season back in the WSL.
“She will bring a lot of experience and quality to our backline in the WSL.”
Caitlin Cosme joins a Palace defence that has already shown its resilience early in the new campaign. The Eagles opened their season with a 1–0 victory over Everton before holding Arsenal to a goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium, with their defensive organisation playing a major part in both results.
The new arrival will now provide Potter with another option as Palace look to build on that encouraging start.
Puerto Rico international
Cosme previously represented the United States up to Under-15 level but now plays her senior international football for Puerto Rico. She made her Puerto Rico debut in May 2025 and will become another full international in Potter’s Palace squad.
Speaking after completing her move, Cosme said:
“Everyone has been so welcoming so far and I’m excited to just immerse myself in this club and in this community.”
Her arrival continues Palace’s squad building following promotion, with the club already adding players including Bethany England and Lexi Lloyd-Smith ahead of the new campaign.
Source: Crystal Palace
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