Manchester City have today announced the signing of USWNT midfielder Rose Lavelle on a one-year contract.
Lavelle’s move from American side Washington Spirit to City has been rumoured for a number of weeks now, since the conclusion of the NWSL Challenge Cup in July.
On Sunday, it was announced that NWSL team OL Reign had acquired Lavelle’s playing rights should she return to the NWSL. The exchange with Washington means that the Spirit will receive the first-round draft pick in the 2022 NWSL College Draft, $100,000 in allocation money as well as additional allocation money conditioned upon Lavelle’s future playing status in the NWSL.
The trade was made with the understanding that “Lavelle is expected to sign an agreement to play outside the NWSL with immediate effect”, according to Reign’s club statement.
The 25-year-old midfield maestro is widely regarded as one of the game’s most exciting prospects due to her solo ambition, creativity and finishing ability. Lavelle was one of the standout players of the World Cup last year and was named as the third best player of the tournament behind the USA’s Megan Rapinoe and England’s Lucy Bronze.
Of her move to City, Lavelle stated “I’m so excited to join Manchester City and I can’t wait to play alongside some really talented players. I’m looking forward to the opportunity of playing in England and competing in the Champions League.”
Lavelle now joins fellow USWNT player Sam Mewis into City’s midfield. The pair will likely find themselves teaming up with Scotland’s left footed dynamite Caroline Weir, as well as English duo, pivotal playmaker Keira Walsh, and seasoned pro Jill Scott.
English defenders Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood are also rumoured to be signing with Manchester City upon the conclusion of their contracts with Olympique Lyonnais at the end of the month. However, these are not expected to be announced until after the Champions League final.
Former Everton forward, Chloe Kelly, has also joined the City ranks, after choosing to not to renew her contract with the Toffees earlier this year.
With several big signings under their belt for the coming season, Manchester City certainly look to mean business.
