Defender Esme Morgan has agreed her first professional contract with Manchester City – a 3 year deal running until the end of the 2021/22 season.
The 18-year-old England U19 player, a City fan, joined the club in 2016 following the opening of their Regional Talent Club that year.
Her rise to the first team squad and international youth recognition has been meteoric after making progress in the development squad.
She lifted the Development League title and the FA Youth Cup in 2018 and has subsequently made 20 first team appearances including nine last season as City won a domestic Cup double.
Alongside City team mates Lauren Hemp, Georgia Stanway, and Ellie Roebuck, Morgan represented England at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in France last year, helping the team reach a historic third place finish.
Morgan may also get more chances in the first team following the departures of Jen Beattie to Arsenal and Abbie McManus to Manchester United after the end of last season.
Right back Matilde Fidalgo has signed during the close season while Megan Campbell has returned to fitness following a lengthy absence due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained against LSK Kvinner in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Commenting on her first professional contract, Morgan said:
“It feels amazing, I can’t really describe it – it doesn’t seem real!
“It’s such a dream for me, as a City fan.
“I’ve been supporting them since I was small so now, to have a future at the Club in writing is an amazing feeling.”
“For me, it’s about the opportunity.
“The facilities here are incredible, the teammates I get to play with on a day-to-day basis are world-class – there are so many playing for the World Cup now – and the staff are so supportive and knowledgeable.
“From the ground up, it’s an amazing Club with a great structure – a Club with a high ambition to always progress and be the best we can.”
Nick Cushing, Manchester City women’s team manager, added:
“We are incredibly proud of Esme’s progression since she joined us in 2016.
“Esme’s commitment and dedication to developing her game is exceptional and we are confident that if she continues to work as she has been, she will have a bright future for both club and country.”