Joining City a ‘surreal’ feeling, says Layzell | OneFootball

Naomi Layzell says it’s a ‘surreal’ feeling to join Manchester City after completing her move to the Club.

The 20-year-old centre-back has become our latest summer signing, joining from Barclays Women’s Championship side Bristol City.

An England youth international, she progressed through the Vixens’ youth ranks before making 77 appearances for their senior team.

And after putting pen to paper with Gareth Taylor’s side, Layzell revealed her excitement at the opportunity presented to her at the Joie Stadium.

“It’s quite surreal to be honest,” she declared.

“You always want to play for the top teams as a young player and I think joining City is a really exciting opportunity for me.”

“I guess there are different considerations when you’re making a move, whatever stage you’re in as part of your journey.

WATCH: 240814_NAOMI LAYZELL_SIGNING INTERVIEW_WIDE

“I guess you’re thinking about playing time and I know that will be difficult and I’d have to prove myself to play here.

“Playing alongside and against top elite professionals in the world is just a really exciting opportunity and a really hard one to turn down.”

After helping Bristol City to the Championship title in 2022/23, Layzell made 16 appearances in the Barclays Women’s Super League last year, but couldn’t prevent her former employers’ relegation from the first-tier.

Regardless of the disappointment, the defender was voted the Vixens’ Young Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year.

Now, she feels ready for a new challenge with City.

She added: “With Bristol City, I felt that the Club gave me a lot and I learned a lot. I grew so much as a person there, but I felt it was time for me to find a new challenge.

“I feel like Manchester City brings that challenge for me. I needed to be stretched to keep growing.”

“It’s hugely important [to be pushed]. You have to surround yourself with the best players and you have to keep challenging yourself in order to get better.

“If you’re not uncomfortable sometimes then you’re probably going to find it hard to grow. I think here, even sort of meeting the girls and seeing some of the training, the standard and expectation are high.

“I’m just really excited to get involved.”