Image Credits: Imago Images
Manchester City have officially announced the signing of former Liverpool defender Niamh Charles on a three-year contract.
The 27-year-old joins City after a trophy-filled six-year spell at fellow Barclays Women’s Super League side Chelsea, where she established herself as one of the league’s most consistent attacking full-backs.
Charles arrives with an impressive record, having won 13 domestic honours and four international trophies. She was part of England’s Euro 2025-winning squad, converting a penalty in the shootout victory over Spain in the final.
A versatile and intelligent defender, Charles began her career at Liverpool as a forward before moving to Chelsea in 2020, where she made the transition to left-back. Her performances earned her a place in the PFA WSL Team of the Year for the 2023/24 season.
During her time at Chelsea, Charles won five WSL titles, four FA Cups and two League Cups, while also finishing as a Champions League runner-up. On the international stage, she progressed through England’s youth teams before making her senior debut in 2021.
She has since won Euro 2025 and two Arnold Clark Cups, and was part of the England squad that finished as World Cup runners-up in 2023. Charles will wear the number 21 shirt at Manchester City.
Charles said: “I’m really happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started. 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.
“It suits me and fits me, the culture we’re building and the style of play. I just think it’s the perfect fit and hopefully we can have some good times together.”
Director of Football Therese Sjogran continued: “To add a player of Niamh’s ability and experience to our squad after the success of last season is a huge positive.
“We’re all excited to see what she can bring to the squad in the coming season and, despite everything she’s already achieved in the game, we firmly believe her best years are still to come.
“She has the drive to become a better player every day and also challenge her team-mates to do the same, so for her to want to spend the next three years at City speaks volumes about what we’re trying to build here.”
We are delighted to announce the signing of England international Niamh Charles on a three-year deal. ✍️🩵 pic.twitter.com/muAzIbTOuu
— Manchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) July 10, 2026