Grace Clinton moves to Manchester City on four-year deal

Grace Clinton has joined Manchester City on a four-year deal, the club have confirmed.

The 22-year-old midfielder arrives from city-rivals Manchester United, where she has been since July 2022.

Clinton began her career with Everton as a 17-year-old and after moving to the Red Devils, she enjoyed loan spells at Bristol City and Tottenham.

Following her impressive spell at Spurs, Clinton continued her solid form with United last season and scored nine goals in 28 appearances across all competitions.

On the international stage, she made her England debut in February 2024 and helped the Lionesses lift a second successive European crown in Switzerland over the summer.

Clinton told the club website: “It feels amazing. I’m so excited. I love the way Manchester City play, and it’s been tough to play against them in the past so I’m excited to be here and meet the girls.

“City, for me, has always played an amazing style of football. Keeping the ball, it looks lovely, and there are amazing players [here].”

Manchester City Women director of football Therese Sjogran said: “We’re really pleased to have been able to bring Grace to Manchester City – she’s a player we have admired for a while now.

“She is still a young player but already has a lot of experience under her belt, and we believe she will fit in seamlessly with our style of play and add to the talented squad we already have.

“We’re very much looking forward to working with Grace over the coming seasons and seeing her make her mark in a Manchester City shirt.”

Clinton had announced her departure from United in a statement on Instagram just hours before her switch to City was confirmed.

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A post shared by Grace Clinton (@graceclinton_x)

“Thank you, Manchester United. Me and the club have taken the decision to part ways over the past few days,” the post said.

“To our supporters, from the day I signed as a teenager I was overwhelmed by your support for me and the team. You are an unbelievable fanbase and always our 12th player.

“This has been a very difficult decision for me because of the love I have for my teammates and for you, the fans. However, I feel the future of the club and I aren’t on the same page.

“For me personally, the next step is about growth, I want to continue to develop and learn. Thank you for everything.”