Manchester City have signed Niamh Charles from Chelsea on a three-year deal.
The left-back had one year left on her contract with the Blues after winning five WSL titles since joining from Liverpool in 2020.
Charles has now returned to the north west, signing a contract that will keep her with the WSL champions until 2029. She will wear the No 21 shirt at the Joie Stadium.
The 27-year-old has 34 England caps and was part of the Euro 2025-winning squad, scoring in the penalty shoot-out win against Spain in the final.
Discussing her move to Man City, Charles said: “I’ve seen from the outside and played against City over the past few years, they’ve had great success this year, and I think what they’re building as a team, the players and the staff, it’s something I wanted to be a part of.
Charles spent six years at Chelsea, winning multiple trophies
“It suits and fits me, the culture we’re building and the style of play. I just think it’s the perfect fit and hopefully we can have some good times together.
“I’ve got a few good friends here from past times and internationals. I’ve spoken to them about it and they feel they’re improving every day as players in training and every game and that is something I want to do.
“They can see the project going on here, they’re happy here and they feel looked after on and off the pitch. That is where you get your best football out and that is what I’ve spoken to them about and it’s what I think works for me and what I’ve been looking for.
“I’m really excited for that, and they really seem to enjoy the group together and that makes the good times even better and bad times a little easier. You can sort of get through and be even better.”
Charles is the second player to make the move north from London, with Man City signing Beth Mead after her departure from Arsenal.
Charles was part of England’s Euro 2025-winning squad
Man City making statement of intent
Analysis by Sky Sports’ Charlotte Marsh:
After winning the FA Cup final, Man City boss Andree Jeglertz said he wanted to keep developing his team so they can compete again in upcoming seasons.
By signing a player of Charles’ calibre, Man City are making a statement of intent.
She will likely become the starting left-back after Leila Ouahabi’s departure this summer. Alex Greenwood can also play there and has done so for England, but she plays centrally for her club.
Charles has struggled for game time under Sonia Bompastor. After three consecutive seasons where she featured in over 20 WSL matches under Emma Hayes, she has made just 12 and 11 league appearances respectively in the last two years, with injuries also playing their part.
Chelsea’s signing of Katie McCabe will also have further reduced her opportunities to play and, at 26, Charles has the perfect blend of youth and winning nous having won 12 major titles with the Blues.
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