Football / Bristol City Women
Bristol City sell Layzell to Manchester City in club record transfer
After an unsuccessful stint in the Women’s Super League last season, Bristol City Women are weeks away from beginning a fresh campaign in the Championship, but not before signing off on a last-minute summer transfer of one of their most talented defenders.
Gloucester-born Naomi Layzell rose up through City’s academy to become a linchpin of the first team’s defensive line from 2020 onwards – achieving accolades such as players’ player of the year and young player of the year.
She was even been invited to train with the Lionesses earlier this year so as a standout up-and-coming young talent for the Robins, it comes as no surprise that major WSL clubs took a huge interest in the 20-year-old in the run-up to the new season.
is needed now More than ever
It was Manchester City who placed the yet undisclosed record-breaking bid for the centre-back, eventually signing her on a four-year deal.
Layzell’s move marks Manchester City’s sixth signing of the summer transfer window alongside the likes of WSL all-time leading goal scorer Vivianne Miedema and West Ham’s Risa Shimizu.
Manchester City’s second place finish in the WSL last season, only losing the title to five-time consecutive winners Chelsea, has only increased their reputation as one of the most competitive teams in the league.
A distinction that is bolstered by a star-studded team that includes Bunny Shaw, Lauren Hemp and UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 goal scorer Chloe Kelly.
Manchester City signed Naomi Layzell for a record breaking sale for Bristol City – photo: Manchester City
Talking to Manchester City’s club media, Layzell, who grew up in Cheltenham, said it was “quite surreal” to be joining one of the richest clubs in the world.
She said: “You always want to play for the top teams as a young player and I think joining City is a really exciting opportunity for me.
“I guess there are different considerations when you’re making a move, whatever stage you’re in as part of your journey.
“I guess you’re thinking about playing time and I know that will be difficult and I’d have to prove myself to play here.
“Playing alongside and against top elite professionals in the world is just a really exciting opportunity and a really hard one to turn down.”
Bristol City head coach Lauren Smith added: “We’re really pleased for Naomi and wish her every success with Manchester City.
“She’s a brilliant player and a great person and we’ll certainly miss having her here at Bristol City, but she’s shown she can compete at the top level, and we’d never stand in the way of a player’s progression.
“I’m sure she’ll have a fantastic career and we’re proud to call her one of our own.”
Main photo: JMP
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