Laia Aleixandri has signed a three-year contract with Manchester City Women.
The 21-year-old Spanish defender, who has made 50 appearances in all competitions for Atletico Madrid, will join City on July 1, subject to international clearance.
Aleixandri represented Spain at the U17 and U20 Women’s World Cups in 2016 and 2018 before making his senior debut in May 2019 against Cameroon, scoring the occasion with a goal.
Speaking about her decision to join City, Aleixandri, who was named by UEFA as one of Europe’s 10 most promising young players in January 2020, said: “I’m very happy to be here and to to be part of this amazing club – I’m very excited for what’s to come.
“Manchester City are a very big club with top players and staff, and I think that’s the best thing for me. They’re a team that likes to play with the ball and with an attacking style, and that suits me personally.
“My dream here is to win a lot of titles and improve as a player with the help of my new teammates.”
Head coach Gareth Taylor added: “Having such a talented young player like Laia in our squad is a real boost for us as a club.
The striker is Man City’s third signing of the summer window
“Even though she’s only 21, she’s got incredible experience under her belt for club and country so far and it’s so exciting to think about what’s to come from her in the future.
“She is a player who is hungry to learn and grow, and she will definitely have the opportunity to do that here at City with the team she will have around her.”
There have also been a number of exits at Man City this summer, with Lucy Bronze, Georgia Stanway, Caroline Weir and Jill Scott leaving the club.
Man City Women sign Ouahabi from Barca | “I want to keep winning trophies”
Leila Ouahabi has signed a two-year contract with Man City
On Wednesday, Man City signed Barcelona and Spain defender Leila Ouahabi on a two-year deal. The 29-year-old will also officially join the club on July 1.
Ouahabi has been the engine of success for Barcelona and Spain. She joined the Catalan club in 2016, winning five Primera Division titles, seven Copa de la Reinas, two Supercopa Femeninas, three Copa Catalunyas and one Women’s Champions League after Barcelona beat Chelsea in 2021.
Making her senior international debut for Spain in February 2016, she helped them win the Algarve Cup the following year – scoring the winning goal against Canada. Ouahabi was also part of a historic Spanish Women’s World Cup squad in 2019, where they advanced beyond the group stages for the first time before losing to the United States in the round of 16.
Speaking about his move to Manchester, Ouahabi said: “I’m very happy. I was looking forward to this moment and I’m really happy now that everything is done.
“Manchester City have always been a team that has caught my eye. I love their style of football so much and the DNA of the club is very exciting.
Ouahabi enjoyed years of success at Barcelona
“It’s going to be a completely different experience for me, and I’m really looking forward to it. I want to continue enjoying my football and City are a strong club.
”Personally and professionally, I think I will grow and develop here.
“I also want to keep winning trophies. I like winning and being competitive, and I come here to win trophies for City.”
Head coach Gareth Taylor added: “Leila is a player who has become accustomed to success throughout her career, and we are delighted that she has joined us with the aim of continuing here in England.
Ouahabi with City head coach Gareth Taylor
“She has great experience in high pressure situations and will give everything she has to win, which fits perfectly with our own philosophy.
“She’s a player we’ve looked up to for a long time given her position in the game and to finally get her signature is incredibly exciting.
“We can’t wait to see her make her mark on the English game.”
Atletico’s Castellanos signs three-year contract with Man City
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Deyna Castellanos is delighted to play for Manchester City in the WSL after signing a three-year contract with Atletico Madrid, and believes she will become a better player for the club.
Deyna Castellanos also joined Man City last week. The striker signed a three-year contract after joining from Atletico Madrid.
The 23-year-old – who will wear the No10 shirt – scored 23 goals in 58 appearances during a two-and-a-half-season stint with Atletico, where she won the 2021 Spanish Super Cup.
She said Sky Sports News: “It’s great to be part of this team. I’m very excited to start the league and the pre-season, and to train with my teammates and the coaching staff. I’m excited to have a new chapter in my life and in my career.”
