The young Manchester City forward will play her football at Villa Park for the upcoming season, joining Aston Villa Women on a season-long loan.
Lily Murphy joins Aston Villa Women on loan from Manchester City
Murphy joins the Villains on a season long loan. Source: Aston Villa FC.
The 20-year-old will bolster Villa's attacking options, playing primarily as a left-winger, although she is capable of playing anywhere across the forward line.
A product of the Manchester City academy, Murphy made her competitive debut in 2024, as the Citizens defeated Paris FC to qualify for the UEFA Women's Champions League.
She went on to enjoy a breakout season with City, where injuries to several first-team regulars allowed her to feature regularly in the first team.
Last season, she suffered a shoulder injury in the season opener which kept her out for three months. After returning to the squad in December, she mostly featured in a victorious FA Cup campaign for City.
Murphy was part of a double winning Manchester City side last season. Source: Molly Darlington - The FA.
Murphy was part of a double winning Manchester City side last season. Source: Molly Darlington - The FA.
What the club said
Director of Football, Marisa Ewers, said: "Lily is an exciting young player who will add pace, directness and further attacking options to our squad.
"She has already gained valuable experience at Manchester City, and we believe this loan will provide her with an excellent opportunity to continue her development in a competitive environment.
"We're pleased to welcome Lily to Aston Villa and look forward to working with her throughout the season."
Style of play
Upon signing for Villa, Murphy discussed why she feels the club is a perfect fit for her.
"I'm looking forward to the new challenge and I can't wait to get out there now," she said. "I really like the style of play. It's a very direct team and I think it really fits with how I like to play my game. So, I'm really excited."
Murphy is an extremely quick and physical player; a similar profile to Kirsty Hanson, who saw so much success at Villa last season before moving to Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the summer.
Murphy playing out on the wing against Bournemouth in the FA Cup. Source: Charlie Crowhurst - The FA.
Murphy playing out on the wing against Bournemouth in the FA Cup. Source: Charlie Crowhurst - The FA.
"I'm definitely an attacking player. I like to take on my defender every time," Murphy explained.
"I'd definitely say my speed [is my biggest strength]. I'm a quick player. I'm super hard-working as well, so I like to play for my team."
An opportunity to develop
At just 20 years old, Murphy understands that playing first-team minutes will be crucial to her development.
"It's [progression] super important. I'm really looking forward to getting out there, showing everyone what I can do and just being myself," she said.
"I hope to get a lot of minutes.
"I'm definitely here to compete and fight for my place, so I'm really excited for that."
She joins a forward line which contains a mixture of youth and experience, including club captain Rachel Daly and Dutch international Chasity Grant.
International career
Murphy is yet to receive her first call-up to the senior Lionesses squad; however, she has played a part for the England youth teams since February 2024, when she debuted for the under-19s.
Murphy with the England under-20 side playing against Spain. Source: Mateo Villaba - The FA.
Murphy with the England under-20 side playing against Spain. Source: Mateo Villaba - The FA.
She mentioned that she had spoken to some of her teammates from the Young Lionesses prior to signing for Villa.
"I've spoken to a few of the girls from England camp, so it'll be nice to see them again, meet some new friends and meet some new faces as well."
Teenager Rachel Maltby is one who is beginning to make her name at Villa, starting 11 Women's Super League matches during the 2025/26 season.
The Villa fans
The new loanee expressed that she has heard a lot about the atmosphere created by the Villa faithful.
"I've heard it's a tight-knit group and that they follow the team everywhere, so I'm excited to meet them as well," she said.
To the supporters, she said: "I can't wait to see you all out there."