90min

Man City Women Announce Signing of World Cup Winner Rose Lavelle

By Jamie Spencer

Man City have signed USWNT midfielder Rose Lavelle
Man City have signed USWNT midfielder Rose Lavelle / VI-Images/Getty Images
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Manchester City Women have confirmed the signing of USWNT midfielder Rose Lavelle, who becomes the second 2019 World Cup winner to join the club this month following the recent capture of USWNT teammate Sam Mewis.

Lavelle rose to international prominence in 2019 as a result of her World Cup performances, winning the Bronze Ball as a result of her contributions in the United States retaining their title.

Underlining her status as one of the best players in the world, Lavelle was nominated for the Best FIFA Women’s Player award and the Women’s Ballon d’Or later that year. She was also named at number seven in The Guardian’s annual list of the top 100 female players.

With Washington Spirit, Lavelle has been named in the NWSL Best XI in each of the last two seasons – the latter a shortened mini-tournament as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The 25-year-old, who will wear the number 21 shirt in Manchester, will add even more quality to a City squad already brimming with top talent. She will also have the opportunity to play in the 2020/21 Women’s Champions League.

Lavelle was the third best player at the 2019 Women's World Cup
Lavelle was the third best player at the 2019 Women's World Cup / Maja Hitij/Getty Images

“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 told her new club’s official website.

“After talking with Gareth [Taylor] about the team and how he saw me fitting in, it seemed like a great environment that would really push and develop me as a player.

“I’ve heard amazing things about the club and it just felt like a really good fit overall. I want to challenge myself and feel that Manchester City is the perfect environment to do so and hopefully, I’ll find some success along the way.”

Lavelle played for Washington Spirit in NWSL
Lavelle played for Washington Spirit in NWSL / Alex Goodlett/Getty Images

Aside from adding Lavelle and Mewis to their midfield ahead of next season, City have also brought in rising England forward Chloe Kelly from Everton. England full-backs Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood are also expected to join from Lyon once this season’s Champions League is over.

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