Layla Drury, Manchester United Women’s youngest ever player, is set to become the youngest player to sign a professional contract with the Women’s Super League club. The 17-year-old forward will put pen to paper on a deal with the club for whom she made her senior debut in January in an FA Cup tie against Burnley. Drury also scored in that 5-0 victory, becoming Manchester United Women’s youngest goalscorer.
Record-breaking debut and early career
While still only 16, Drury made seven appearances in all competitions for Manchester United last season, including five substitute appearances in the WSL. Her debut in January came at the age of 16 years and 220 days, breaking a record previously set by Lauren James in 2018. Drury has played at youth international level for both Wales and England, switching her allegiance to England in February.
Full-time first-team integration
It is understood United’s plan is that Drury will spend next season with the first team on a full-time basis. The Wales-born youngster will be the first player to sign a deal with United prior to her 18th birthday. Her progress will be seen as a success story for United’s academy, with the club determined to develop their own young players, aiming to help make their women’s team operate sustainably in the future.
London City Lionesses sign Nicole Anyomi
Elsewhere, WSL side London City Lionesses have announced the signing of Germany forward Nicole Anyomi on a four-year contract, following the end of her contract at Eintracht Frankfurt. Anyomi scored 60 times in 130 games for Frankfurt and was part of the Germany squad that reached the 2022 European Championship final against England at Wembley. She told London City Lionesses’ club media channels: “I always wanted to play abroad and to have the offer from this club with their project means the world.”
