Man City sign ex-Arsenal midfielder Jill Roord from Wolfsburg | OneFootball

Manchester City have made Netherlands international Jill Roord their first signing of the summer transfer window in a statement of intent as they look to quickly make up for missing out on Women's Champions League qualification.

Once of WSL rivals Arsenal and Champions League finalist with Wolfsburg last season, Roord has traded Germany to Manchester as Gareth Taylor's side look to rebuild after a disappointing fourth-place finish.

"I'm very happy, and it’s a very proud feeling for me to sign for Manchester City," Roord said. "I have always thought that this was a fantastic club with lots of quality, and I’m super excited to start here.

"I really like the way that they play, and I feel that it suits me perfectly. There's a lot of quality in the team, and it's a young side with plenty of potential which is very important to me.

"I’ve always thought that the Women's Super League is very competitive, so playing in England again is like a dream – I feel like I have developed a lot as a player during my time in Germany."

Roord, capped 81 times for the Netherlands and with 20 goals, started her career with FC Twente before moving to German side Bayern Munich in 2017. After two seasons there, the now 26-year-old moved to the WSL to spend two seasons with Arsenal. But she returned to Germany in 2021.

Roord still ha year left on her Wolfsburg contract but will join City after competing in the Women's World Cup with her country.

On the arrival of an experienced international player, Taylor said, "We're really pleased to have been able to secure Jill's signature and bring her to the Club.

“She has proven her worth in both England and Europe during her career so far, alongside on the international stage with the Netherlands – she is no stranger to success. She is a player whose calibre speaks for itself with what she has achieved, and we believe she will be a fantastic addition to our squad here at City."