Laura Wienroither joins Manchester City from Arsenal

Manchester City have signed Laura Wienroither from Arsenal on a permanent deal.

The 26-year-old Austria defender spent last season on loan at the Joie Stadium, making eight appearances as City finished fourth in the Women’s Super League.

Wienroither, who has signed a two-year deal, first arrived in English football in January 2022, when Arsenal signed her from Hoffenheim.

An anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in the semi-finals of the Women’s Champions League the following season saw her sidelined for almost a year. 

The defender returned to action last summer but, edged out of the first-team picture by the arrival of United States international Emily Fox and academy graduate Katie Reid, Wienroither joined City on loan in January. 

She quickly found her stride and, having settled in well, Wienroither is now eager to challenge for honours under new manager Andrée Jeglertz.

What did Laura Wienroither say about joining Manchester City?

“[The club has] welcomed me with open arms since my first day and I really appreciate that,” said Wienroither.

“There are great people here and it’s honestly such a cool club, and I’ve really started to like the club from day one and I fell in love with the club. 

“So when the opportunity came up that I can stay, I didn’t have to think twice, it was a no-brainer for me. I’m so happy to be finally here.”

Wienroither made 51 appearances for Arsenal, scoring one goal, but struggled to force her way into contention under interim head coach Renée Slegers, playing just three times before her loan switch to City.

“Laura’s application and performances were outstanding throughout her loan spell last season and, as I expected in January, brought even more quality in the full-back position,” said Therese Sjogran, City’s director of football. 

“As we get ready to challenge for trophies from the first minute of what I know will be an exciting 2025/26 campaign, Laura’s reintegration will be a smooth one as I know she shares our ambitions.”

Wienroither’s arrival comes as City, who have lavished £10m on a purpose-built training facility at the City Football Academy, target a return to European football.

“This club is made to win titles, to win trophies and I’m here to do that,” said Wienroither.