Manchester City agree deals for England duo Beth Mead and Niamh Charles
Women’s Super League champions Manchester City are close to completing a double swoop for England internationals Niamh Charles and Beth Mead to bolster their squad for the upcoming season.
A fee has been accepted by Chelsea for Charles, who has already agreed terms and completed a medical with the Manchester club.
Meanwhile, Mead will arrive on a free transfer when her current Arsenal contract expires at the end of June.
Statement of intent from WSL champions
City manager Andree Jeglertz recently outlined his desire to keep developing his squad following their appearance in the FA Cup final.
Securing two players with vast domestic and international experience represents a significant statement of intent by the reigning league champions.
The 26-year-old Charles is expected to slot in as the starting left-back following Leila Ouahabi’s departure this summer.
Charles seeks consistent minutes
The former Chelsea defender has struggled for game time under Sonia Bompastor, making just 23 league appearances across the last two campaigns.
Injuries and the Blues’ acquisition of Katie McCabe severely limited opportunities for a player who boasts 12 major titles from her time in west London.
Mead calls time on Arsenal career
At the other end of the pitch, the arrival of the 31-year-old Mead will provide intense competition on the wings alongside the likes of Lauren Hemp and Kerolin.
The prolific forward departs north London after nine seasons, having scored 86 goals in 265 appearances for the Gunners.
During her highly successful stint in the capital, the experienced attacker claimed the 2018-19 WSL title and the 2025 Champions League.
Her move up north will reunite her with partner Vivianne Miedema, while offering Jeglertz vital squad depth ahead of City’s upcoming European campaign.