Manchester City academy graduate Gracie Prior has signed her first professional contract with the WSL club.

The 19-year-old defender has put pen to paper on a contract that will keep her at the Joie stadium until 2028. Prior initially joined the club as a youngster back in 2012, having grown up a stone’s throw away from the stadium in east Manchester.

Prior has previous experience with the City first-team, having featured in a 6-0 Conti Cup win against Blackburn Rovers back in October 2022. Last season, she was on dual registration with National League side Burnley, in order to gain more senior minutes,

She follows in the footsteps of fellow academy graduates Khiara Keating and Jess Park in progressing to the first-team setup. Both Keating and Park were integral figures under manager Gareth Taylor in the WSL last season.

Speaking about signing her first professional contract, Prior said: “It feels like a dream come true to sign my first professional contract for one for one of the biggest clubs in the world. It’s amazing, and a really proud moment for me and my family. It’s something I’d dreamt of, but it still feels very surreal.

“It [also] shows there are opportunities and if you work hard, it’ll pay off. City believe in homegrown players, and it shows.”

Head Coach Taylor added: “Gracie is a talented young defender and has a bright future ahead of her. We’re looking forward to seeing her continued growth and development on and off the pitch.”

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