WSL champions Man City sign Euro 2025 winner Niamh Charles from Chelsea on three-year deal

Manchester City have signed England defender Niamh Charles from Chelsea on a three-year deal, the WSL champions confirmed, adding a second high-profile summer acquisition after forward Beth Mead.

Charles, 27, leaves Stamford Bridge after six years in which she won 12 domestic trophies. She arrives at City having played a pivotal role in England’s Euro 2025 triumph, scoring a penalty in the shootout victory against Spain in the Switzerland final — one of 34 international appearances for the Lionesses.

“I’m really happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started,” Charles said. “I’ve seen from the outside and obviously played against City over the past few years, they’ve had great success this year and I think what they’re building as a team, the players and the staff, it’s something I wanted to be a part of. It suits me and fits me, the culture we’re building and the style of play. I just think it’s the perfect fit.”

The attacking full-back also highlighted the prospect of linking up with England teammate Lauren Hemp and WSL Golden Boot winner Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw. “I’m not young any more, but I would like to think my best years are ahead and I really want to spend them here,” she added.

City director of football Therese Sjogran described the signing as “a huge positive” following last season’s title win, in which the club finished four points clear of Arsenal. “Despite everything she’s already achieved in the game, we firmly believe her best years are still to come,” Sjogran said.

Arsenal also moved to strengthen their own squad on the same day, confirming the signing of World Cup-winning full-back Ona Batlle from Barcelona.