England youth international Ruby Mace has agreed to join Manchester City Women on a three-year contract.
Mace, 17, will sign her first professional contract and will wear the number 30 shirt after spending last season with Birmingham City on a dual registration basis with Arsenal.
Mace made her senior debut for the Gunners in September 2020 and joined Birmingham in February 2021 where she played eleven times scoring goals against West Ham and Reading.
She has been recognised at international level at a variety of age groups up to U19 level having made her U15 bow in October 2017, captaining England against Scotland and scoring her first international goal against Switzerland soon after.
Versatile Mace can play in both midfield and defence and has spoken enthusiastically about joining City, and she saying: “I’m so happy and excited to join Manchester City.
“As a 17-year-old, it’s the biggest moment in my short career so far. I’ve got so much to learn and develop in my game and I feel this is the best environment for me to achieve my dreams.
“Amazing players, an amazing Club and amazing coaches! I’d also like to thank Arsenal for all they have done for me to get me to this point.”
Head Coach Gareth Taylor added: “We’re thrilled to have added Ruby to our squad here at Manchester City – she’s a talented player who we feel has a very bright future ahead of her.
“She’s already proven that she can make her mark in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League and we’re really looking forward to working with her in the coming seasons.
“We’ve had a number of young players make their mark here at City in recent years and hopefully Ruby will be the next one in that long line of success stories.”
Manchester City Women Managing Director Gavin Makel concluded: “We’re delighted to welcome Ruby to the Club, who is one of the most exciting young talents in England.
“We know the potential that she has, and we are looking forward to working with her to develop that further.”