Lily Murphy and Codie Thomas have both been handed their first professional contracts with Manchester City after graduating from the girls’ academy.
The 18-year-olds are both lifelong City fans and have made appearances for the club this season having broken into the senior squad in the 2024/25 season.
Murphy, a forward who wears the number 46 shirt, has made five appearance so far this season including her senior debut against Paris FC in the UEFA Women’s Champions League Round Two qualifying stage, and the 4-0 WSL win over Tottenham which was played at the Etihad Stadium.
Lily Murphy said: “It’s an amazing feeling for me and my family as well.
“It’s a really proud moment.
“Growing up supporting City, it’s a different feeling to [if I signed with] another club.
“They [the Club] have been so supportive and given me so much advice. I’ve learned a lot, they’ve really helped me on my journey.”
“Doing this journey together [with Codie] has been really special. Doing it with my best friends, it’s a different feeling.”
Team-mate Codie Thomas is a full back who wears the number 44 shirt and made her senior debut in the 3-2 away win over St Polten in the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage.
Codie added: “It feels great, it’s a super proud moment for myself and my family.
“I’ve been a City fan all my life.
“Being an academy player and coming through, I’ve always felt valued in that.
“Finally getting onto the pitch and representing the club at a senior level is great.
Manchester City Women Managing Director, Charlotte O’Neill, said: “These first professional contracts for Codie and Lily are well deserved.
“As academy graduates, this is also a fantastic endorsement for our academy staff, who are working hard every day to produce a pipeline of talent for the first team.
“We are looking forward to seeing them grow and develop as players.”
Head Coach Gareth Taylor continued: “Both Codie and Lily have been a joy to work with and it’s been good to see them develop as young players.
“They are in a great environment with world-class players, and we will continue to push them as they start on their professional journeys.”