Grace Clinton has officially joined Manchester City from Manchester United in a high-profile transfer. The midfielder has signed a four-year deal and will wear the number six shirt. Clinton expressed her excitement to join City, praising their playing style and the quality of the squad. The move strengthens City’s midfield and adds an intriguing dynamic to the Manchester rivalry. Manchester City had a busy deadline day, with Yui Hasegawa signing a contract extension and Jess Park joining United as Clinton’s replacement.
In a significant move that has sent ripples through the Women's Super League (WSL), Grace Clinton has officially joined Manchester City following her exit from Manchester United. The transfer marks a new chapter for the talented midfielder, who is set to don the number six shirt for her new club. This move not only strengthens City's midfield but also adds an intriguing dynamic to the Manchester rivalry.
Clinton's journey to the blue side of Manchester has been an interesting one. After showcasing her potential at Everton, she made the switch to Manchester United ahead of the 2022-23 season. However, opportunities were limited, leading to loan spells at Bristol City and Tottenham respectively. It was during her time with Spurs that Clinton truly blossomed, earning the prestigious PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year award. Her stellar performances caught the eye, and she eventually cemented her place in the United first team, making 28 appearances and finishing second only to Elisabeth Terland in the goal-scoring charts with an impressive nine goals.
Now, at 22 years old, Clinton is eager to embark on this new adventure with Manchester City. The allure of City's playing style and the opportunity to work alongside some of the best players in the league proved too tempting to resist. "It feels amazing. I’m so excited," Clinton expressed upon signing. "I love the way Manchester City play, and it’s been tough to play against them in the past so I’m excited to be here and meet the girls."
Ready for it. pic.twitter.com/OSgtOxxUkk
— Manchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) September 4, 2025
Clinton further elaborated on her admiration for City's style of play, stating, "City, for me, has always played an amazing style of football. Keeping the ball, it looks lovely, and there are amazing players [here]." Her comments highlight the appeal of City's possession-based approach and the quality of the squad that she is now a part of.
The transfer deadline day was a hive of activity for Manchester City, particularly in the midfield department. In addition to Clinton's arrival, the club also secured the future of Yui Hasegawa, who signed a two-year contract extension, committing her to the club until 2029. However, Clinton's arrival meant that Jess Park joined United to replace Clinton.
For Manchester United, Clinton's departure represents a setback, but it also provides an opportunity for other players to step up and fill the void. The arrival of Jess Park will provide a fresh dynamic to United's attack.
The move is a major coup for Manchester City, who are looking to bolster their squad and challenge for the WSL title. Clinton's versatility, technical ability, and eye for goal will undoubtedly add another dimension to City's attacking options. Her experience in the league, coupled with her international pedigree, makes her a valuable asset to Gareth Taylor's side.
As Clinton embarks on this new chapter in her career, she will be hoping to make a significant impact at Manchester City and help the club achieve its ambitious goals. The Manchester rivalry has just intensified, and fans can expect fireworks when these two teams meet on the pitch. This move marks a significant power shift, with Manchester City asserting their dominance in the WSL landscape.
The signing of Grace Clinton is a statement of intent from Manchester City, signaling their determination to compete at the highest level and challenge for major honors. Her arrival will undoubtedly excite the City faithful and add an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming WSL season.