Academy duo sign first professional deals | OneFootball

Manchester City are delighted to announce that academy graduates Lily Murphy and Codie Thomas have signed their first professional contracts with the Club.

Both lifelong City supporters, the pair have been regular fixtures in Gareth Taylor’s matchday squad across the 2024/25 campaign having impressed in pre-season.

Murphy, a lively forward with a phenomenal turn of pace, has gone on to make five appearances in all competitions so far this year, including in our 4-0 win at the Etihad Stadium over Tottenham Hotspur.

Speaking about signing her first professional deal, the 18-year-old said: “It’s an amazing feeling for me and my family as well.

“It’s a really proud moment. Growing up supporting City, it’s a different feeling to [if I signed with] another club.

“I’ve had really positive conversations with the manager. He’s done the journey himself at a high level so he can give you the advice and show us how it’s done.”

WATCH: Murphy on Chloe Kelly’s important advice

Thomas, meanwhile, also made her senior debut in October’s UEFA Women’s Champions League win over St Polten, putting in an assured display at right-back.

She added: “It feels great, it’s a super proud moment for myself and my family. I’ve been a City fan all my life since being a little girl.

“Being an academy player and coming through, I’ve always felt valued in that. Finally getting onto the pitch and representing the club at a senior level is great.

“The academy is amazing. You get everything you’d ever need to progress as a player and a person.”

Manchester City Women Managing Director, Charlotte O’Neill, said: “These first professional contracts for Codie and Lily are well deserved.

WATCH: Lifelong City fan Thomas ‘super proud’ after signing first pro deal

"As academy graduates, this is also a fantastic endorsement for our academy staff, who are working hard every day to produce a pipeline of talent for the first team. We are looking forward to seeing them grow and develop as players.”

Head Coach Gareth Taylor continued: “Both Codie and Lily have been a joy to work with and it's been good to see them develop as young players.

"They are in a great environment with world-class players, and we will continue to push them as they start on their professional journeys.”