Manchester City have announced the arrival of Laura Wienroither on loan from Arsenal to boost their defensive options.
The 26-year-old Austrian defender will spend the rest of the 2024/2025 season on loan at the Joie Stadium after arriving on transfer deadline day – and she will wear the number 13 shirt.
City also confirmed that winger Chloe Kelly would be moving in the opposite direction on loan for the remaining months of her contract – she will be a free agent in the summer – which will dash the hopes of Manchester United who had tried to do a deal at the eleventh hour..
Wienroither initially joined City’s fellow WSL side Arsenal in January 2022 from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and made her debut for the Gunners against Manchester United in a game which she also scored in.
She made a total of 30 appearances for Arsenal the following season before suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL) injury in the team’s UEFA Women’s Champions League semi final against VFL Wolfsburg in May 2023.
The long-term injury ruled out Wienroither for the majority of the following 2023/24 season – she only returned in the 5-0 win over Bristol City in April 2024.
She has been capped 35 times for the Austria national team and scored twice.
Wienroither said: “I’m really happy to be here. I’m relieved everything’s done now and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with people who trust and believe in me.
“I just hope I can give the trust back.
“I’m really excited to get started and can’t wait to meet the team. When you have the chance to sign for a big Club like City, I don’t think you have to think a lot about it – at least I didn’t.
“I spoke a lot to Therese, I really like her as a human being.
“She gave me the opportunity to come here, she believes in me, and I think that’s what really made me want to sign for City.”
Manchester City Women Director of Football, Therese Sjogran added: “We’re delighted to welcome Laura to the Club.
“She will bring even more quality in the full-back position and we’re looking forward to seeing what she can add to our team in this crucial part of the season.”