Rebecca Knaak: 10 Things You Didn’t Know | OneFootball

Manchester City have secured the signature of German defender Rebecca Knaak, subject to international clearance.

The centre-half joins the Club from Swedish champions Rosengard, where she spent three seasons from 2022 to 2024.

Knaak is the Blues’ first January recruit, and you can find out a little more about her below…

Rosengard rollercoaster

The German joined Rosengard ahead of the 2022 Damallsvenskan campaign, helping them retain the title and secure a domestic cup as well.

But that success in her debut campaign was in stark contrast to a frustrating 2023 season, where Knaak and co. finished an uncharacteristic seventh in the table, with injury also limiting the German’s playing time.

They bounced back in style last season though, securing top spot once again to bring her overall trophy haul to three pieces of silverware in as many years!

2024

Knaak was a central figure in Rosengard’s success last season, as the Swedish champions won the title at a canter.

Her experience at the back saw them conceded just nine times in 26 matches, losing just once all campaign.

She also more than did her part at the sharp end (more on that later) as Rosengard scored 99 league goals, at an average of almost four per match!

Defender of the Year

Knaak secured her second title in three seasons in Sweden last year, but her performances also saw her gain individual recognition.

Indeed, the German was also named the Damallsvenskan’s Defender of the Year, demonstrating her remarkable consistency over the campaign.

Speaking about her incredible season, she said: “I’m at a really good level right now. I think my time at Rosengard really helped me develop in all parts.

“Maybe the last season was one of my best ones and obviously the whole team played so, so well.”

At the sharp end

But it wasn’t just Knaak’s exploits at the back which saw her named Defender of the Year.

Incredibly, despite predominantly playing as a centre-half, the 28-year-old also chipped in with a remarkable 12 league goals!

Only five players across the entire division bettered that tally.

Familiar face

Knaak follows in the footsteps of our new Director of Football in moving to City following Rosengard’s incredible 2024 campaign.

Therese Sjogran officially began her new role in early December and immediately moved to secure the services of the German defender having overseen her progress as Rosengard’s Sporting Director.

“It was really helpful for me that I already know Therese,” Knaak said of Sjogran’s influence.

“I really trust her and her abilities, so it gives me a good feeling, but the Club was a no-brainer for me.

“When I heard about the interest, I didn’t have to think about it because it’s such a big, big opportunity which I wanted to take.”

WATCH: Knaak details key attributes after City arrival

German beginnings

Having first broken into senior football in 2012, Knaak spent just under a decade honing her craft in her native Germany.

Spells at SC 07 Bad Neuenahr, Bayer Leverkusen and Freiburg preceded her move to Sweden.

The WSL’s lure

Knaak loved her time in Sweden, but the opportunity to test herself in English football was a key factor in her decision to join City.

“I think it’s the best league in the world right now,” the defender explained.

“I honestly can’t wait to challenge all the other teams in the league and also see the level.

“And also, to see everything around like the fans and the whole culture in England. It’s honestly a dream.”

Qualities

A dominant left-footed defender with a big aerial presence, Knaak will be a key player in both boxes for City.

She also believes her ability on the ball makes her a perfect fit for the Blues, though: “I think I’m good at reading the game, and maybe my passing game in general with my left foot.

“That’s one of my biggest strengths, I would say.”

Midfield capability

Given her confidence in possession, it comes as no surprise to learn that Knaak has also spent time as a midfielder in the past.

Positionally intelligent and with bags of experience, the German’s versatility could prove crucial with the games coming thick and fast in the WSL and Champions League for City.

City ambitions

Knaak has tasted plenty of success in recent years, and she believes City are on the right track to pick up silverware.

“I think it’s a combination of quite a lot of factors, but what I could take away from last season, especially in Rosengard, it was about the team and togetherness,” she explains when asked what she thinks makes a title-winning team.

“So, it must be a good mix between professionalism, discipline, but also fun and togetherness and really helping each other and I felt that was a key factor for us.

“In the end, it’s the big picture that needs to fit and I feel like in this Club, this environment I’ve known so far at least, it’s the perfect basic to win titles.”