Manchester City’s teenage defender Prior signs four-year professional deal | OneFootball

Manchester City’s teenage defender Gracie Prior has signed a four-year professional contract with the club.

WSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official club press release from The Cityzens this afternoon.

The 19-year-old is a product of the Manchester City academy system. Prior made her senior debut for the club in an FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup fixture against Blackburn Rovers in the 2022/2023 season. The player has since gained further first team experience in a dual-registration spell with FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division club Burnley.

Prior will now be hoping to push for further minutes for Manchester City after signing her first professional contract with the club.

After signing on with The Cityzens, Prior said “It feels like a dream come true to sign my first professional contract for one of the biggest clubs in the world.

“It’s amazing, and a really proud moment for me and my family. It’s something I’d dreamt of, but it still feels very surreal.

“It [also] shows there are opportunities and if you work hard, it’ll pay off. City believe in homegrown players, and it shows.”

At this stage, it is not known whether Manchester City head coach Gareth Taylor will opt to name Prior in his first team squad this season or send the player out on loan again to further her development.