Prior signs first professional deal

City youngster Gracie Prior has signed her first professional contract with the Club.

The 19-year-old has worked her way through the ranks at the City Football Academy and will now join Gareth Taylor’s squad on a full-time basis ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

A dominant centre-half with impressive vision and technical ability, Prior made her senior debut for City back in October 2022 against Blackburn Rovers.

She was one of four Academy graduates to feature at the Joie Stadium in a 6-0 Continental Cup win, coming off the bench to replace Demi Stokes late on.

Prior earned further senior minutes during a hugely successful dual registration spell with Burnley last season and has regularly gained valuable first team experience in training sessions with squad.

But now the teenager is ready to make the step up into professional football as City set our sights on another push for the Barclays Women’s Super League title and a return to European football.

“It feels like a dream come true to sign my first professional contract for one of the biggest clubs in the world,” Prior said.

“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 definitely opportunities and if you work hard, it’ll pay off. City believe in homegrown players, and it just shows.”

Manchester City Women Managing Director, Charlotte O’Neill, said: “We’re all so proud of Gracie and how much she has developed as a player and a person on and off the pitch.

“We believe in homegrown talent, and we know there is so much more to come from Gracie. She loves City, is naturally talented and has worked very hard to get to where she is today. Her signing this contract is further validation of the excellent work our academy staff are doing, and we’re excited for what is to come.”

Head Coach Gareth Taylor continued: “Gracie is talented young defender and has a bright future ahead of her. We’re looking forward to seeing her continued growth and development on and off the pitch.”

Everyone at Manchester City would like to congratulate Gracie on her professional deal.