Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Layla Drury Manchester United history is set to grow again, with the 17-year-old forward expected to become the youngest player to sign a professional contract with the Women’s Super League club.

Drury already holds two major Manchester United Women records after making her senior debut in January’s FA Cup tie against Burnley and scoring in the 5-0 victory. That goal made her the club’s youngest ever goalscorer.

For more football transfer coverage, read Hayden Hackney Everton Move Confirmed As Tottenham Seal Mateus Fernandes Deal, while official Women’s Super League updates are available through the Barclays Women’s Super League website.

Drury Set For First-Team Step

The Wales-born forward made seven senior appearances in all competitions last season while still only 16. Five of those came from the bench in the Women’s Super League.

Manchester United’s plan is for Drury to spend next season full-time with the first team. Her debut came at 16 years and 220 days, breaking the previous club record set by Lauren James in 2018.

Drury has represented both Wales and England at youth level. She switched her international allegiance to England in February.

Academy Progress Pays Off

Her contract will be seen as a strong sign for Manchester United’s academy pathway. The club are keen to bring through their own young talent as part of a more sustainable long-term model for the women’s team.

Drury’s rise also gives the squad another attacking option for the new campaign. Her early senior minutes showed trust from the coaching staff, and the next step will be turning promise into regular impact.

Anyomi Joins London City Lionesses

Elsewhere in the Women’s Super League, London City Lionesses have signed Germany forward Nicole Anyomi on a four-year contract after her Eintracht Frankfurt deal ended.

Anyomi scored 60 goals in 130 games for Frankfurt and was part of Germany’s squad that reached the 2022 European Championship final against England at Wembley.

“I always wanted to play abroad and to have the offer from this club with their project means the world.”