Man City confirm big-money Laura Blindkilde Brown signing from Aston Villa as they look to keep chase with Emma Hayes' Chelsea in WSL title race

The 20-year-old joins the Cityzens for a reported £200,000 ($254,000) fee, close to the domestic record for a British player, the £250,000 ($317,000) paid by Tottenham for then-Chelsea forward Beth England. Blindkilde Brown has been a stalwart in Carla Ward's Villa side since her senior debut in 2021, racking up 50 appearances and winning the club's Player of the Year for the past two seasons.

City have tied down one of the WSL's most exciting young prospects in Blindkilde Brown. Away from her exploits at club level, the midfielder has featured in the Lionesses' Under-19 set up alongside City stars Khiara Keating and Ruby Mace. She joins the Manchester club alongside Durham's Poppy Pritchard and Peamount United star Tara O'Hanlon. It is thought that the Cityzens fended off interest from Brighton and rivals Manchester United for O'Hanlon's signature.

The young midfielder said on the move: "I’m really excited to be here. It’s a big step in my career but I’m really excited to see what comes. It’s a new challenge for me. Obviously, I’ve been at Villa a lot of my career but it’s something new and I’ll be training with some of the best players in the world. I think the style of play here is really suited to me. Hopefully it just develops me even more in my career."

Gareth Taylor will be hoping Blindkilde Brown will offer his side the injection of quality they need in their pursuit of silverware this campaign. They are three points off leaders Chelsea in the WSL title race and face Leicester next on Sunday.