WHAT HAPPENED?
Originating from the Bristol City development system, the 20-year-old has been a consistent member of the Robins first squad since her debut at the age of 16 in 2020. Layzell was a standout performance for the team last season, winning both the players’ player and young player of the year trophies. She also assisted in the club’s promotion back to the Women’s Super League in 2023.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Her efforts, meanwhile, were unable to prevent the Robins from falling short of expectations and earning a promotion, as their relegation would inevitably lead to numerous important players being targeted by elite teams. Layzell was one of the numerous people who thought she could advance from her intriguing defensive prospect status. She will now continue her bright young career at Man City.
WHAT LAYZELL SAID
“It’s quite surreal to be honest,” Layzell said upon the announcement of the move. “You always want to play for the top teams as a young player and I think joining City is an exciting opportunity for me. Playing alongside and against top elite professionals in the world is just a brilliant opportunity and a really hard one to turn down. I grew so much as a person at Bristol City, but I felt it was time for me to find a new challenge. I’m really excited to get involved.”
Head coach Gareth Taylor added: “We‘re pleased to add Naomi to the team for next season. She’s a quality defender and we’re looking forward to helping her grow and develop as a player.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Layzell is Man City’s fourth youth international from England that they signed in 2024. Before bringing in young goalkeeper Eve Annets earlier this summer, the team recruited versatile attack-minded player Laura Blindkilde Brown and talented attacker Poppy Pritchard in January.
WHAT NEXT FOR LAYZELL AND MAN CITY?
In an effort to get ready for the upcoming season, Man City, West Ham, Paris Saint-Germain, and Leicester City are scheduled to go to Australia this week to compete in the Perth International Football Cup. Layzell hopes to be a part of the traveling team, which will be unveiled in the next several days.
