Manchester City continued bolstering their squad with the signing of young defender Naomi Layzell from Bristol City Women.
The 20-year-old defender joins the club from relegated Bristol City and has signed a four-year deal which will keep her at the Joie Stadium until summer 2028.
She had been an integral part of the Bristol City team that won promotion to the Women’s Super League in the 2022-2023 Women’s Championship season, playing 20 out of their 22 matches and conceding just 12 goals throughout the campaign.
She made her WSL debut at the Joie Stadium on the left of a back three for Bristol City in November 2020 but could not prevent an 8-1 defeat.
Layzell, who will wear the number 3 shirt at City, is also an England Under-21 international who has spent time training with the full national team.
Layzell said: “It’s quite surreal to be honest.
“You always want to play for the top teams as a young player and I think joining City is an exciting opportunity for me.”
“Playing alongside and against top elite professionals in the world is just a brilliant opportunity and a really hard one to turn down.
I grew so much as a person at Bristol City, but I felt it was time for me to find a new challenge.
“I’m really excited to get involved.”
Manchester City Women Managing Director Charlotte O’Neill added: “If you play for a club like City, you compete for everything you are involved in and that is what we are aiming to do with the squad we are building.
“Naomi is another young homegrown player with plenty of potential.”
Head Coach Gareth Taylor continued: “We‘re pleased to add Naomi to the team for next season.
“She’s a quality defender and we’re looking forward to helping her grow and develop as a player.”