Niamh Charles: Manchester City signed the English defender from Chelsea

Manchester City have signed England international Niamh Charles from Women’s Super League rivals Chelsea for £500,000.

The left-back joins the club on a three-year deal after six years at Stamford Bridge, where he made 173 appearances.

Charles, 27, won five WSL titles, four FA Cups and three league titles with Chelsea.

She was part of the team under former coach Emma Hayes that lost to Barcelona in the 2021 Women’s Champions League final.

“I’m really happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started,” said Charles, who started her career in Liverpool.

“I’ve seen it from the outside and I’ve been able to play with City over the last few years and they’ve had great success this year.

“What they’re building as a team is something I want to be a part of. It’s a perfect fit and hopefully we’ll have some great times together.”

His departure from Chelsea coincided with the arrival of Republic of Ireland international Katie McCabe, who joined from Arsenal.

Charles brings vital WSL and Women’s Champions League experience to City, with the England defender looking to secure regular game time to cement her place in Sarina Wigman’s squad for next year’s World Cup.

She made 34 appearances for the Lions, including a shootout win over Spain in the Euro 2025 final.

Charles will wear the number 21 shirt, replacing Spanish full-back Leila Ouhabi, who left City for Chicago Stars FC.

City won their first WSL title in a decade in May and are looking to add depth to their squad in the transfer window to compete in Europe.

They have completed the signing of English forward Bettmed, who left Arsenal at the end of the season.

Importantly, City’s top scorer Khadija Shaw A new four-year contract was signed in MayDays later she seemed to be walking free.

After the success of last season, adding a player of Niamh’s caliber and experience to our squad is a huge positive, said City’s Director of Football, Therese Sjogren.

“We are all excited to see what she can bring and we strongly believe that despite all she has achieved in the game, the best years are still to come.

“Every day she pushes herself to be a better player and push her teammates to do the same.”