Experienced French international goalkeeper Karima Benameur has signed for Manchester City’s women’s team as cover for injured Karen Bardsley.
The 30-year-old arrived from Paris FC on a one-year deal having spent her whole career in France and helped the French B team to victory in the 2019 Turkish Cup back in March.
She enjoyed a three year spell at Paris St Germain where the club secured three consecutive second place finishes behind Olympique Lyon between 2012 and 2015.
And with first choice goalkeeper Bardsley ruled out with a hamstring injury and Fran Stenson departed for Arsenal in the summer, Benameur has joined City to provide additional squad depth alongside Ellie Roebuck.
“I’m very happy to be here,” said Benameur on her new club.
“I’m very delighted to sign for such a great Club. It’s an honour for me.
“When my agent told me I was going to sign for City, I was very happy.”
She added that she was a big fan of City’s men’s team goalkeeper Ederson and for the challenge of playing in a new league in a new country, with the prospect of silverware, adding:
“Manchester City is a big Club with amazing facilities, amazing players and goalkeepers, such as Ederson. I’m a big fan of Ederson.
“I was so excited and curious to come and see what was waiting for me here.”
“I hope to get more and more trophies,” she added. “I want to help this team win everything. I’ll give my best each game.
Benameur has five senior French caps to her name, and hoped that she could add some experience to a youthful City side after making her first international move.
“I’ve played for the French national team, and great clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain and Paris FC. I’ve learnt a lot.
“I think I can bring a lot of experience to this team. I want to share my experience with my teammates, both on and off the pitch.
“As a player, I can say I’m very generous. I want to give all I have for the squad.
“I’m very delighted to be here and hope to make great things.”
City begin their challenge for the 2019/20 WSL title with a home derby match at the Etihad Stadium against newly promoted Manchester United.
The game is scheduled for Saturday, September 7, 2019 – 3pm.