Man City Women sign Lohmann from Bayern

Man City Women have secured one of the most eye-catching deals of the summer, unveiling Germany star Sydney Lohmann on a three-year contract after prising her away from Bayern Munich.

Man City Women add Bundesliga pedigree to WSL title push

The arrival of Lohmann, 23, continues a proactive window for Man City Women as Gareth Taylor’s side seek to bridge the narrow gap to champions Chelsea. The dynamic box-to-box midfielder brings seven seasons of top-flight experience, 113 league appearances and a reputation for thunderous strikes from distance. City believe her presence alongside Keira Walsh and Filippa Angeldahl will inject extra energy and goal threat from midfield—an area they felt lacked depth during last season’s frantic run-in.

Sydney Lohmann transfer reflects City’s evolving recruitment strategy

Over recent years, Man City Women have blended home-grown prospects with shrewd European signings such as Laia Aleixandri, Julie Blakstad and Deyna Castellanos. Luring Lohmann, a linchpin of both Bayern’s 2021 Bundesliga triumph and Germany’s Euro 2022 campaign, underlines that blueprint. The club’s managing director, Nils Nielsen, described her as “a modern midfielder who perfectly matches the tempo and technical demands of our philosophy.”

Why Lohmann chose the Etihad Campus

Speaking to club media, Lohmann highlighted City’s facilities and playing style. “The infrastructure here is unbelievable. I want to test myself in the WSL, arguably the most competitive league in women’s football, and Man City Women play the possession-based game I love,” she said. Taylor added that her versatility—comfortable as a No. 8, advanced playmaker or deep-lying controller—will give City tactical flexibility.

How the deal was done

City negotiated with Bayern throughout June, eventually agreeing an undisclosed fee believed to be close to £250,000—one of the highest sums paid for a midfielder in the women’s game. Personal terms were quickly ironed out thanks to Lohmann’s desire for a new challenge, and medical tests were completed at the City Football Academy last week. She will wear the No. 18 shirt once international clearance is finalised.

Stat snapshot: what Lohmann brings

• 113 Bundesliga appearances, 26 goals, 18 assists
• 24 caps for Germany, 5 goals
• 80% pass completion last season, averaging 5.6 progressive passes per 90
• Ranked in the top 10 for tackles won among Bundesliga midfielders in 2023-24

Impact on the existing midfield unit

Keira Walsh remains the fulcrum, but injuries to Yui Hasegawa and Laura Coombs during 2023-24 exposed the need for depth. Man City Women now boast a rotation that can withstand the demands of domestic and Champions League competition. Lohmann’s stout defensive work should free Walsh to dictate play higher up the pitch, while her late runs into the area echo those once provided by Jill Scott.

Busy summer shows City’s intent

Lohmann follows the arrivals of Swedish defender Hanna Lundkvist and English youngster Aggie Beever-Jones, with further talks ongoing for a back-up goalkeeper. Conversely, Vicky Losada and Leila Ouahabi have departed, and City are open to loaning out several academy graduates to ensure minutes.

The broader WSL landscape

Chelsea’s continued reinforcements and Arsenal’s expected splurge mean the 2024-25 title race could be the tightest yet. Man City Women finished just two points adrift last term, losing out on goal difference. By adding proven continental quality, they aim to convert fine margins into silverware. The league’s increased visibility—bolstered by record-breaking broadcast deals—was a major draw for Lohmann, who hopes to elevate her global profile ahead of the 2025 European Championship.

Reactions from Germany and Bayern Munich

Bayern sporting director Bianca Rech wished Lohmann well but admitted the club did not want to stand in her way. German media framed the move as another example of the WSL’s growing financial clout. National team coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg praised her player’s “bravery to step outside her comfort zone,” noting that regular exposure to English football’s intensity can only benefit Die Nationalelf.

Primary focus keyword in perspective: Man City Women’s ambition

For Man City Women, this signing is more than a statement; it represents a commitment to evolving as quickly as the women’s game itself. With the club’s men’s and women’s squads sharing resources, Lohmann will train daily in an environment engineered for excellence. Club hierarchy believe such investment will pay dividends both domestically and on the European stage.

What happens next?

Lohmann will join pre-season immediately after Germany’s Olympic qualifiers, featuring in a friendly tour of the United States where City face NWSL opposition. Her competitive debut could come on the opening weekend against newly promoted Southampton—a fixture already earmarked for the Etihad Stadium in front of a potential 40,000 crowd.

Opinion: A smart, future-proof acquisition

From a neutral standpoint, this move feels like a win-win for player and club. Lohmann gains a new platform to showcase her talents, while Man City Women secure a midfielder entering her prime with proven top-tier pedigree. If Gareth Taylor integrates her quickly, City may finally tip the balance in their favour and bring the WSL trophy back to Manchester for the first time since 2016.