Manchester City Sign Germany International Carlotta Wamser

Manchester City have bolstered their title-winning squad with the signing of Germany international full-back Carlotta Wamser from Bayer Leverkusen on a four-year deal.

The 22-year-old, comfortable on both the left and right side of defence, becomes City’s third major arrival of the summer, following defender Niamh Charles from Chelsea and forward Beth Mead from Arsenal. It is a clear statement that the WSL champions intend to go again.

Wamser only joined Leverkusen from Eintracht Frankfurt on a free transfer in July 2025, but her rapid rise has now taken her to England and one of the most competitive leagues in the women’s game.

“I had a perfect welcome here and I already feel very good here and I look forward to my time here in Manchester,” she said after completing the move. “The English league is the best league in the world and Manchester City is one of the best clubs in the world.

“I feel like I need the next step for my career and I feel that I can develop as a player here. And I like the challenge as well, so I think it’s the perfect step for me right now.”

For City, the timing matters. Charles is among a cluster of injury absentees that also includes Grace Clinton, Vivianne Miedema, Jade Rose and Laura Wienroither. Defensive depth has been stretched before a ball is kicked in the new campaign.

So Wamser’s arrival is not just about long-term planning. It gives the champions fresh energy and cover on both flanks as they begin their WSL title defence at home to Birmingham City on Sunday.

Already capped 14 times by Germany at senior level, Wamser has come through a decorated youth pathway, including being part of the Under-17 European Championship-winning squad in 2019. City are buying not just potential, but experience of high-pressure environments.

Club director of football Therese Sjogran underlined how long City have tracked her development.

“We are delighted to welcome Carlotta to the club,” Sjogran said. “She is a player we’ve admired for some time and know she will bring energy, passion and a willingness to learn to the team.

“For such a young, exciting talent to trust us with the next step of her career is something we feel conveys a strong message of what we are building here.”

City’s rebuild after a title-winning season now carries a sharper edge: Mead to sharpen the attack, Charles to strengthen the back line when fit, and Wamser to knit the full-back positions together.

The champions have moved decisively. The question now is how quickly their new German full-back can turn promise into impact on the WSL stage.