All posts by n8rngtd.top

There’s no two ways about it: This week is absolutely massive for Manchester United’s campaign.

An FA Cup tie at Old Trafford against Liverpool awaits Erik ten Hag’s team, with the competition being the only trophy that the Red Devils can still win this season.

Luckily, the squad has been boosted this week with the return of Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Rasmus Hojlund.

That should be a welcome relief for Ten Hag and Co but they will still be without Anthony Martial who is absent courtesy of a groin problem. That hasn't necessarily been a bad thing for the Red Devils, however.

Anthony Martial’s salary at Man Utd

In short, Martial’s time at Man United has been hindered by injuries more often than not, with the French attacker unable to provide consistent availability.

Nonetheless, the number nine was rewarded with a new contract at the start of 2019, after scoring nine goals prior to that during the 2018/19 campaign.

The contract was for five years, and therefore it’s set to expire in the summer, but his weekly wage is a huge £250k, according to Capology.

This equates to an earning of £13m per year, the joint-fourth highest wage at Man United, with only Casemiro, Raphael Varane, and Marcus Rashford earning more.

Man Utd must cash in on Solskjaer flop who earns 140% more than Garnacho

The talented ace has been an utter failure at Old Trafford.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Mar 12, 2024

What Martial earns compared to Hojlund

The contrast between Hojlund’s and Martial’s impact this season is clear to see, with the Dane becoming a vital player in the United rebuild project.

On the other hand, the “invisible” Martial, as called by football creator Liam Canning, has only played 444 minutes in the Premier League, with an illness and groin surgery making him miss 12 matches.

Hojlund has also had his injury problems this season, which has left Ten Hag without a true number nine at times, but as you can see by the table below, his influence when available has been fantastic, particularly in 2024.

After a tricky start to life in England, the 21-year-old has been one of the most in-form players in the league since scoring against Aston Villa on Boxing Day, netting in all of his last six Premier League games, and winning the February Player of the Month award.

Whereas, the former Monaco star hasn't played since the 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth in December, and that could end up being his last game for the club depending on the extent of his most recent setback.

But, as displayed in the table, Martial still earns around three times more than the number 11, despite scoring 11 goals fewer across all competitions this campaign and clearly offering a lot less than Hojlund when playing.

With Martial being unreliable both in terms of on-field performances and availability, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co simply must let go of the 28-year-old rather than extend his contract by the optional extra year.

As a result, with Hojlund set to be the long-term answer to the striker role, a reliable backup who can take some pressure off the young attacker and act as a rotation option will likely come in for Martial.

Wage Burners

Football FanCast's Wage Burners series explores the salaries of the modern-day game.

Wrexham stars James McClean and George Evans are among those to have embraced an entirely different ball game during the club’s tour of North America.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Red Dragons back in the United States
• Preparing for friendly clash with Chelsea
• Squad relaxing & unwinding off the pitch

• Getty/GOAL
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Red Dragons have crossed the Atlantic for the second time in as many years. Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney continue to spread the word of Wrexham a long way outside of North Wales – with an award-winning documentary series aiding that cause.

Advertisement

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Phil Parkinson’s side have already faced Premier League side Bournemouth in California and have another outing against Chelsea to come while on the west coast before heading north to Reynolds’ home town for a clash with MLS side the Vancouver Whitecaps.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Before bidding farewell to Los Angeles, McClean and Co have taken in a trip to watch the Dodgers in MLB action. They saw the LA-based outfit run out 9-6 winners against the Boston Red Sox franchise that is run by Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group.

  Instagram

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

  With every opportunity being taken to let their hair down – which is being encouraged by Parkinson and the Wrexham board – further efforts are being made to get more transfer business done before the 2024-25 League One campaign gets underway.

Jack Grealish admits to being left “absolutely heartbroken” by his England Euro 2024 snub, but intends to use that as “motivation” at Manchester City.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Graced Euro 2020 and 2022 World Cup
• Sat out major tournament in Germany
• Looking to rediscover spark at club level

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 28-year-old winger played a prominent role for the Three Lions in their run to the final of Euro 2020, while also figuring in Gareth Southgate’s plans at the 2022 World Cup. A dip in form at club level did, however, lead to him being left out of another European Championship party.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT GREALISH SAID

  Grealish had to watch on from afar as England came agonisingly close to landing elusive major silverware and has said of his omission from that squad: “I’ll be honest it was probably, football-wise, the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to deal with in my career. I was absolutely heartbroken and then obviously when you’re on your holidays, wherever I was, every time you turn on the phone or turn on the TV or whatever, you just see it. So it was hard to not to see it. For myself now, moving forward, I have to just try to use that as motivation going into this season and try to have the same mentality as I had two years ago. In my first season at City I don’t think I performed as well as I could and in the second season I played in a lot of the games and that was down to the first season. I had wanted to come back stronger and I certainly did that, so hopefully I can do that again.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Grealish has scored only 14 goals through 125 appearances for City, but hopes an early return to pre-season – having had no international football to contend with – will have him raring to go in 2024-25. He added while on a summer tour of the United States: “This is my chance to get my fitness, to have a two-week head start and try to be as fit as possible. And I’m playing with confidence. I feel like that’s what I need and fingers crossed I can do that.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  City have landed the Premier League title in each of Grealish’s three seasons at the Etihad Stadium, while also claiming Champions League, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup honours. The former Aston Villa star still has three years left to run on the contract that he signed when completing a British record transfer to Manchester.

Manchester United have suffered yet another injury blow ahead of their FA Cup quarter-final clash with rivals Liverpool this weekend, as reported by Samuel Luckhurst.

Man Utd injury news

The Red Devils face a massive game on Sunday afternoon, taking on their biggest rivals at Old Trafford, looking to end their chances of winning four trophies this season. Granted, Erik ten Hag's side will go into the game as underdogs, but they should be expected to raise their game, given their opponents.

United's season has unquestionably been a disappointing one, with sixth place in the Premier League nowhere near good enough currently, but injuries can be used as an excuse for their struggles, with so many important players missing during the campaign.

Against Liverpool, for example, the Red Devils will have to make do without key defensive duo Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw, while Jonny Evans is also among those unavailable in the back-line.

Meanwhile, Rasmus Hojlund has been a huge loss leading the line, having scored in six matches in a row before his current layoff, meaning the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford will really have to perform this weekend if he isn't ready to start.

Now, another player has been added to United's list of absentees, as they prepare for one of their biggest matches of the 2023/24 season to date.

Man Utd suffer another injury before Liverpool

Taking to X, Luckhurst confirmed that goalkeeper Altay Bayindir is out of Manchester United's clash with Liverpool through injury.

"Not the most consequential of team news but Altay Bayindir is out injured for the Liverpool game, #mufc confirm. Should be Dermot Mee or Tom Heaton on the bench."

As Luckhurst alludes to, this admittedly isn't the biggest injury blow in the world, considering Bayindir isn't a key man – he has only made one appearance for United to date, conceding twice against Newport County in the FA Cup fourth round earlier this season – but it still rather sums up the injuries on show this season.

It also means that 21-year-old Demot Mee could be drafted into the squad as an emergency 'keeper, having not yet made an appearance for the Red Devils at senior level, testing the depth within Ten Hag's squad.

United should still be able to field a starting lineup that is capable of causing Liverpool problems, however, with Garnacho and Rashford dangerous on their day, and Bruno Fernandes a player with the ability to be a difference-maker in the final third.

Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Scott McTominay will likely make up a well-balanced midfield, while Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire are hugely experienced at the back.

Man Utd star who earns more than Garnacho & Hojlund needs to be replaced

The United star has barely played over the last month.

By
Tom Lever

Mar 15, 2024

United drew 0-0 against all odds at Anfield in the Premier League earlier in the season, showing how form isn't always relevant in this fixture, so there should still be confidence that Ten Hag's men can book a place in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Erik ten Hag has revealed that people had advised him not to join Manchester United in 2022 owing to their dwindling conditions.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Ten Hag advised not to join Man Utd in 2022
• Wanted to take on the challenge at Old Trafford
• Preparing for the upcoming season with Man Utd

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Manchester United's dwindling conditions are known to many very well and the same is reportedly the case with people close to Ten Hag, as the Dutch coach has revealed in a recent interview. Ten Hag disclosed that a lot of people told him not to join the club when he left Ajax in the summer of 2022. However, the 54-year-old decided to take the challenge head-on.

Advertisement

• WHAT TEN HAG SAID

  Speaking in an interview with The Times, Ten Hag said: "So many people advised me not to come here. I could have gone into projects with better conditions, with much better structures but I chose this challenge because I feel like Manchester United is my club and I want to go for this challenge."

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ten Hag's time as Manchester United boss has not been the most outstanding, however, earlier this summer he was given a two-year extension on his running contract with the Red Devils and is set to stay at the club for the next two years. Despite a poor 2023/24 season, Ten Hag believes he holds the confidence of the Red Devils' top brass. He said: "It’s helpful when you feel the backing from the leadership group. That helps because then you know where you’re building to, that you do it together.

  "When you are in a very good, very strong bond that gives you confidence. Also the dressing room, they will feel this."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT NEXT FOR TEN HAG?

  The Dutchman is set to take on another difficult start to the season after losing four players to injuries in the form of new signing Leny Yoro alongside Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford and Antony. However, he will hope to see the latter two recover in time for their first Premier League match.

Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and his team are set for a busy few weeks, with a whole host of contracts set to be offered out before the end of the Championship season.

Black Cats trying to get back in the right direction

Sunderland's struggles in recent years have been well-documented as they free fell from the Premier League to League One, all being filmed for Netflix show Sunderland 'Til I Die.

Now back in the Championship and seemingly safe from relegation heading into the final part of the campaign, they have hit a horrific patch of form under the guidance of Michael Beale and interim boss Mike Dodds.

As things stand, they have not won since the beginning of February, when they beat fellow bottom half side Plymouth Argyle at the Stadium of Light, and their run of seven games without a win has dented what had until that point been a promising campaign.

With a late run for the playoffs now out of the question, it is a summer to consolidate on what they already have, and their new brand of football combined with some younger signings have shown some glimpses of what is possible in England's second tier.

The likes of Dan Ballard (24), Jack Clarke (23) and Dan Neil (22) have been added to with young talents Jobe Bellingham (18), Adil Aouchiche (21) and Romaine Mundle (20) as the club look to find a more sustainable way back into the top flight this time around. That drive is set to continue too, with several new contracts set to be offered out.

Four new deals in the works

Now as per the Sunderland Echo, the Black Cats are looking to offer four new deals to some of their young stars in a bid to keep them at the club for next season amid interest from elsewhere.

Academy talents Dan Cameron, Tom Lavery, Luke Bell and Jenson James have reportedly been offered professional contracts at the club, with the plan for them to make the step up into the first team next season and beyond.

Championship play-offs 2024: Fixtures, ticket info, prize money & more

FFC looks forward to the 2023/24 Championship play-offs with all you need to know, including updated ticket information.

By
Luke Randall

May 20, 2024

The quartet are considered 'top prospects' and have been playing youth football above their age group, and it is added that 'barring any last-minute problems, the four players are expected to sign professional deals at Sunderland', which will come as great news to Black Cat fans.

There is also the potential of a fifth new face, with Sunderland having agreed a deal 'in principle' with 16-year-old Chris Rigg, who will be able to sign professional terms when he turns 17 in June, though it is added that 'until the deal is signed, the midfielder could be poached by clubs higher up the food chain'.

Man City's Julian Alvarez is nearing a move to Atletico Madrid, though the deal was in jeopardy at one stage.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Alvarez agree personal terms with Atletico
• Deal in place for £82m ($104m) switch
• Argentinian will sign five-year deal

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Alvarez will join Atletico Madrid after finally agreeing personal terms with the La Liga side. It was reported by that, despite Atletico and Manchester City agreeing a fee, the deal was in jeopardy over "a disagreement" between the club and player over Alvarez's base salary and contract length. But the parties have now reached an agreement, according to , and the 24-year-old will sign a five-year contract at Metropolitano Stadium.

Advertisement

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  reported that there was a difference of around €2m/€3m (£1.7m/£2.6m) between Alvarez and Atleti at one stage of the negotiations. Los Rojiblancos returned with an improved offer and have now satisfied Alvarez, who will become City's record sale when he departs for £82m ($104m/€95m).

• Getty
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  The hold-up in the Alvarez deal was impacting the transfers involving Chelsea's Conor Gallagher and Atletico's Saul Omorodion. With the Alvarez domino now set to fall, Gallagher is also expected to sign for the Spanish club while Omorodion may join Chelsea.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT NEXT FOR ALVAREZ?

  Alvarez wanted to be the main man and he will now get that opportunity in Spain. The Argentina international is due a holiday following an extended season that also included appearances at the Copa America and Olympics, but he'll first hope to complete the formalities of his move to the Spanish capital.

Leeds United are in a difficult situation with the players on expiring contracts this year as they do not know what division they will be in next season.

The Whites are currently competing to win promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, and are sat at the top of the Championship table as it stands.

However, Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Southampton are all in close proximity and there is still plenty of work to do before Daniel Farke's side can claim to be heading to the top-flight.

Promotion to the Premier League could change the club's thinking when it comes to some of the out-of-contract players, who may not be kept on if they look to recruit several new players to compete at the top level.

The likes of Stuart Dallas, Liam Cooper, Sam Byram, and Jamie Shackleton are all set to be free agents in the summer, and it remains to be seen if they will be offered extensions.

Leeds are, however, reportedly already weighing up whether or not to hand a new deal to one of their young prospects, who is currently out on loan.

Latest Leeds contract news

According to Football Insider, the Yorkshire-based outfit are considering a contract extension for central midfielder Lewis Bate, whose current deal is due to expire in the summer.

The report claims that it was believed that the former Chelsea youngster was expected to depart on a free transfer upon the expiry of that contract.

However, it states that the club are now weighing up whether or not to keep the 5 foot 8 maestro at Elland Road due to his fantastic form on loan with MK Dons so far this season.

Bate, who was signed from the Blues for a reported fee of £1.5m in the summer of 2021, was sent out on loan to the League Two side during the January transfer window.

At that point, Leeds may have thought that they were sending him there to see out the remainder of his contract, per Football Insider's claim that it was expected that he would depart at the end of the season, but his form appears to have changed their minds.

A new deal is now on the cards for the 21-year-old whiz, who has seemingly done enough to catch the eye of those in charge at Thorp Arch, and he could emerge as Ilia Gruev 2.0 for Farke next season, or further in the future.

Ilia Gruev's Championship form for Leeds

Leeds signed the central midfielder from Werder Bremen during last summer's transfer window and he had to bide his time to get a regular run of games in the side.

Gruev is now flying as a regular starter in the middle of the park for the Whites in the Championship, usually partnering Finland international Glen Kamara, with Ethan Ampadu being deployed as a centre-back.

The left-footed dynamo has racked up 14 starts, with 23 appearances in total, and showcased his qualities both in and out of possession in the second tier.

A metronomic passer, Gruev has completed 93% of his attempted passes in the league this season, and 95% of his passes in his own half, which shows that the Bulgarian whiz rarely gives possession away.

The 23-year-old dynamo ranks within the top 39% of midfielders in the Championship for progressive passes (4.80) per 90 this term, which also shows that he is forward-thinking on the ball, rather than constantly playing safe passes backwards and sideways.

As you can see in the table above, the Bulgaria international also offers quality out of possession, as he has won the majority of his physical duels and made more than two tackles and interceptions combined per game on average.

These statistics suggest that Gruev is a well-rounded central midfielder who can be a strong presence off the ball to win possession back for his side on a regular basis, whilst also being composed and progressive in possession to help his team control and dominate matches.

Farke may already have his next version of the talented metronome in the form of Bate, who now has a new deal to remain at Elland Road beyond this summer on the cards.

Lewis Bate's form for MK Dons this year

The 21-year-old ace joined MK Dons in loan in January after he spent the first half of the campaign with the U21s, after a loan spell with Oxford United last term.

Bate, who made three Premier League appearances for Leeds during the 2021/22 campaign, did get one minute on the pitch in the EFL Cup against Shrewsbury under Farke at the start of this season.

The former England U20 international, who recruitment analyst and U18 specialist Connor Rowden once claimed has an "unparalleled" ability to control games, could not force his way into the manager's first-team plans in the league, however, and has had to catch the eye out on loan this year.

He has started 12 of his 15 league appearances for MK Dons in the second half of this season so far and, like Gruev, has showcased quality in and out of possession.

As you can see in the table above, both players are reliable passers, who rarely give the ball away, and produce a similar number of tackles, interceptions, and duels won per match on average.

However, Bate has offered significantly more creativity to his side, with more than twice as many key passes per game, and this suggests that his passes have been more incisive in the final third.

Of course, the English youngster is playing in the fourth tier and you cannot compare the quality of the two players through these statistics. They do, though, provide an insight into the style of player Leeds have on their hands.

This is why Farke could have his next version of Gruev in the form of Bate, as his statistics suggest that they are both similar players in what they do in and out of possession in midfield.

If Leeds do decide to hand the talented gem a new contract this summer, the German boss could unearth his next left-footed metronome in the middle of the park.

Chelsea’s recent 4-3 win over Manchester United basically summed up their campaign in a nutshell, winning games they shouldn’t be winning while suffering defeats in matches they should be taking all three points from.

The result leaves the club occupying tenth position in the Premier League table, just five points off sixth spot.

If Mauricio Pochettino can inspire his side to a solid finish over their remaining nine matches, they could perhaps steal a European place.

Cole Palmer has been in sensational form this season, having joined from Manchester City last summer, scoring 19 goals and registering 12 assists, proving to be arguably Pochettino’s finest player throughout the campaign.

Another standout has been Conor Gallagher. The Englishman has been outstanding at times this season and this sort of form has not gone unnoticed…

Conor Gallagher is attracting interest

Gallagher has a contract until 2025 at Chelsea, yet it looks as though an extension has not been discussed as yet for the midfielder.

Tottenham Hotspur are a club who have shown plenty of interest in the 24-year-old over the previous 12 months, and they could be set to make a move this summer if no new deal is agreed by then.

According to 90min, the Stamford Bridge side will place a £50m price tag on Gallagher’s head this summer, which is lower than the £60m that they were previously seeking.

Securing this type of fee for the player will allow the club to comply with financial fair play regulations as Pochettino looks to balance his books ahead of next season. The Argentinean has a tough decision to make, however, especially considering how influential Gallagher has become.

Conor Gallagher’s statistics for Chelsea this season

Gallagher returned from his loan spell at Crystal Palace looking to make inroads into securing a regular place in the starting XI last season. He featured 45 times in all competitions for the club and has used this as a platform for further success on a personal level this term.

So far during the 2023/24 campaign, the midfielder has played 40 matches, scoring five goals and registering seven assists in all competitions.

Among his teammates in the Premier League, Gallagher ranks second with regards to overall Sofascore rating (7.31), along with ranking second for big chances created (eight), key passes per game (1.5) and for tackles per game (2.5), showcasing his abilities across both attacking and defensive metrics this season.

When compared to his positional peers in the top five European leagues, Gallagher ranks in the top 1% for pass success rate per 90 (87.8%) and the top 2% for both tackles (2.5) and interceptions (1.3) per 90 across the previous 365 days.

These statistics clearly show how important Gallagher is to this Chelsea team. That being said, receiving a transfer fee of around £50m would give Pochettino a licence to manoeuvre in the transfer window, while he perhaps already has an ideal replacement just waiting to be unleashed in the first-team squad next season – Andrey Santos.

How much Chelsea paid for Andrey Santos

During the January 2023 transfer window – where Chelsea spent £320m – the Blues secured the signature of Brazilian youngster Santos from Vasco da Gama, costing the club around £18m, and he was certainly earmarked as a player who could have a solid future.

"He's a strong, box-to-box midfielder – I don't think Vasco would have been promoted without him,” said South American football expert Tim Vickery upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge.

"But it's a big step up. He's not a player who will be ready for Premier League football yet. He's only 18 – this is one for the future.”

Santos failed to make an appearance for the Chelsea first team during the second half of last season and joined Nottingham Forest on a loan deal at the start of 2023/24. The 19-year-old played just twice for the club before moving abroad on another temporary deal, sealing a move to French side Strasbourg.

Andrey Santos’ statistics at Strasbourg

Finding his feet at Forest proved to be more difficult than first anticipated, yet the teenager is beginning to flourish in France, already making four appearances since joining a couple of months ago.

Analyst Ben Mattinson praised the move to send him out on a temporary move, saying: “This loan will do him the world of good in building confidence after not being used at Forest.

“This type of signing is exactly the one they should be doing. [£]10m on a prospect who could become [£]60m. Value for money.”

Across his four Ligue 1 games, Santos has averaged a pass success rate of 87%, won 5.5 total duels per game, made two tackles per game along with losing possession just 5.5 times on average per match, showcasing his many talents in the French top flight.

He is clearly still developing, but playing for a club like Strasbourg where there isn’t as much pressure as trying to keep Forest in the Premier League, could be highly beneficial for the youngster.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig praised him after Santos shone for Brazil U20s last year, lauding the player as a “one-man war machine in midfield” and, given the chance, he could showcase these abilities at Chelsea in the foreseeable future.

Gallagher’s future is still uncertain heading into the summer transfer window and if he continues this excellent form, there will be interest from more clubs than just Spurs, that’s for sure.

Instead of splashing the cash on a replacement in the transfer market, Pochettino should be taking a closer look at Santos and perhaps giving him a chance to show exactly what he could do.

Chelsea could land an ideal Caicedo upgrade in £86m-rated "machine"

The most expensive player in Premier League history could already be in danger of losing his place in the team.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Apr 6, 2024

The 19-year-old is a special talent indeed, but it isn’t the first time that Chelsea have signed a player with all the promise in the world, only for them to struggle and move on after a few underwhelming years.

Santos is seemingly the ideal Gallagher replacement but Pochettino will have to handle his progress with care.

Manchester City have snapped up yet another exciting Lionesses prospect after England youth international Naomi Layzell signed a four-year deal.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Man City add another Lionesses prospect in Layzell
• Young defender a bright spot in Bristol City's relegation
• Fourth England youth star to join the Cityzens in 2024

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 20-year-old is a product of the Bristol City youth set-up and has been a regular in the Robins first-team since making her debut back in 2020, aged 16. Layzell helped the club win promotion back to the Women's Super League in 2023 and was one of their stand-out performers last season, winning the young player and players' player of the year awards.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  However, her performances could not help the Robins upset the odds and beat the drop, with their relegation always likely to result in several key players being eyed up by top-flight clubs. As an exciting prospect in defence, Layzell was one of those many believed could move on and it is Man City where she will take the next steps of a promising young career.

• WHAT LAYZELL SAID

  "It’s quite surreal to be honest," Layzell said upon the announcement of the move. "You always want to play for the top teams as a young player and I think joining City is an exciting opportunity for me. Playing alongside and against top elite professionals in the world is just a brilliant opportunity and a really hard one to turn down. I grew so much as a person at Bristol City, but I felt it was time for me to find a new challenge. I’m really excited to get involved."

  Head coach Gareth Taylor added: "We‘re pleased to add Naomi to the team for next season. She’s a quality defender and we’re looking forward to helping her grow and develop as a player."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Manchester City FC
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  Layzell is the fourth England youth international that Man City have signed in 2024. In January, the club added Laura Blindkilde Brown, a versatile attack-minded player, and Poppy Pritchard, a promising striker, before recruiting young goalkeeper Eve Annets earlier this summer.