Another Lionesses prospect! Man City sign England youth international Naomi Layzell on a four-year deal from Bristol City

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.

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.

"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."

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.

Man City are set to fly to Australia this week to participate in the Perth International Football Cup alongside West Ham, Paris Saint-Germain and Leicester City, in preparation for the new season. The travelling squad will be revealed in the coming days, with Layzell hoping to be involved.