WSL: Arsenal’ Top Scorer, Vivianne Miedema Moves To Manchester City On Free Transfer
By
OSABUOHIEN VIVIAN ROSE
Manchester City have completed the signing of the Women’s Super League’s all-time top scorer, Vivianne Miedema from Arsenal on a free transfer.
She has signed a three-year deal to keep her at the club until 2027 and becomes City’s first purchase this summer window.
Miedema departed Arsenal at the end of last season following the conclusion of her contract, with the north London club opting not to offer her a new deal.
The 27-year-old is a two-time WSL Golden Boot winner, having scored 79 league goals across seven seasons at Arsenal.
“The reason I chose City is because they have the same ambitions as me,” Miedema said. “They want to win the league and titles. Looking to the future, I’ve always said I want to play with the best players in the world and I think City have got that.
“I haven’t played as much football as I would have wished over the past two years, but I think and hope my best years are still to come. I hope I’m going to be able to help the team as much as I can do.
“I am just really excited to be part of the team and for the girls to hopefully help me and get me back to my best.”
Miedema joined Arsenal from Bayern Munich in 2017 and scored 125 goals and 50 assists in 172 appearances in all competitions for the club.
She finished as the WSL’s top scorer during the 2018-19 season as Arsenal won the league title for the first time in seven years. The Netherlands forward won a second successive Golden Boot in the 2019-20 season and also helped secure three Continental Cup successes during her time at the club.
However, the forward’s final two seasons at Arsenal were disrupted by injury after she ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in December 2022, ruling her out for the remainder of the campaign. She then underwent minor knee surgery in February 2024, limiting her game time during the second half of the season.
Her move to City, who missed out on last season’s WSL title on goal difference, sees her link up with international team-mates Jill Roord and Kerstin Casparij.
City last won the WSL title in 2016 and have finished as top-flight runners-up a record seven times.
Vivianne Miedema will have been one of the most in-demand free agents of the summer so her arrival is a big coup for City. Having left Arsenal following the expiry of her contract, the three-year deal means City are set to benefit from the 27-year-old during her peak years.
Crucially, she adds experience and depth to a City side that have needed reinforcements if they are to compete on four fronts next season.
In a recent interview, Miedema emphasised the importance to her of playing in the Champions League — a competition which City have struggled in in recent years. Her decision to sign with them regardless of that is a strong vote of confidence in the direction that the club are going.
