Beth Mead has described her move to Manchester City as a “no-brainer” after signing a three-year contract with the Women’s Super League champions on a free transfer. The 31-year-old forward, who has scored 40 times in 81 appearances for England, becomes City’s first signing of the summer, having left Arsenal at the end of the season after nine years.
“I’m very proud to be here,” Mead said. “City had an amazing season last year and I am excited to start a new chapter here. The way City plays suits me really well, and I feel like it can get something extra out of my game. Speaking to the manager [Andrée Jeglertz], I [thought] it was a place where I can really fit in, help and bring a different dynamic to the team, so it was a no-brainer for me.”
“Beth Mead joins Manchester City on a three-year free transfer from Arsenal, describing the move as a 'no-brainer'”
Mead, who leads the Women’s Super League’s all-time assist charts with 54 contributions, will be joined at the club by fellow England international Niamh Charles. City have agreed a £500,000 deal to acquire Charles from Chelsea, with the move scheduled to be completed this month. That pending arrival comes as Spain left-back Leila Ouahabi prepares to leave City at the end of the month upon the expiry of her contract.
City’s director of football, Therese Sjögran, said: “Beth’s achievements in the game speak for themselves, so we’re delighted to bring her to the club. She’s shown what it takes to consistently perform on the kind of big stages we want to regularly be competing at, so she’ll be a brilliant addition to our already impressive squad of players.”
Mead’s arrival adds significant attacking firepower to a City side that lifted the WSL title last season. Her experience and creativity will be key as the champions look to retain their crown and compete in the Champions League.