Manchester City have bolstered their squad with the signing of experienced player Rebecca Knaak from Swedish champions FC Rosengard.
Injury ravaged City will be glad to have reinforcements as they battle for four titles this term as they lost captain Alex Greenwood to an MCL (medial collateral knee ligament) injury – and are already without Sandy McIver, Risa Shimizu, Vivianne Miedema, Chloe Kelly, Lauren Hemp, and Khadija Shaw.
The 28-year-old versatile German player will become City’s first signing of the winter transfer window after signing a one and a half year contract subject to international clearance and a work visa.
In her three years spent at Rosenborg, Knaak won the domestic double in her first season at the club before winning another title in 2024.
Knaak won the Damallsvenskan’s Defender of the Year award as Rosengard lost just once game all season, conceding nine times in 26 games in the process.
And she is also effective further forward too – scoring 12 league goals last term, a feat bettered by only five other players in the division.
Knaak said: “It feels exciting to be here.
“I think the WSL is the best league in the world right now.
“When I heard about the interest, I didn’t have to think about it because it’s such a big, big opportunity which I wanted to take.
“It was helpful for me that I already know Therese.
“I really trust her and her abilities, so it gives me a good feeling.
“The Club has the highest ambitions and goals, and this also matches my own ambitions.
“I’m very proud and I feel honoured to be part of this big Club.
“I can’t wait to get started.”
Manchester City Women Director of Football, Therese Sjogran added: “Rebecca played some of the best football of her career to date last season – culminating in her being named the Damallsvenskan defender of the year – and I’m pleased to bring such a seasoned professional to the Club.
“She gives her all on and off the pitch, which will help us challenge for trophies. I’m looking forward to seeing Rebecca make her mark.”