Football Transfer News: Lauren Hemp says no to Barcelona; signs new deal with City

Lauren Hemp, the 23-year old winger has extended her contract with Manchester City till 2027 on Friday. Though, there were rumours of her signing with FC Barcelona Femeni, the Lioness star decided to stay with the Blues for another three years.

Even at a young age, Hemp has been an absolute star for Gareth Taylor’s team, scoring 65 goals in 157 appearances for Manchester City. Moreover, she has won 4 Major trophies for them as well. The winger while featuring for Manchester City has been named PFA Young Player of the Year four times and included in the PFA WSL Teams of the Season twice.

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The current European Champions FC Barcelona already have England stars Keira Walsh and Lucy Bronze in their squad and adding Lauren Hemp to that squad was their plan for the next season. However, Hemp, whose contract with City would have ended at the end of the season, decided to stay with the English club. 

“This is a special team. I want to take my game to the next level, and I feel like I’m capable of doing that here. The WSL is the best league to be in," Hemp said after signing for the WSL team. 

“I feel at home here in Manchester. With the squad we have here, we are always learning and it’s so special to be involved at a Club where we’re capable of achieving anything.

“I’m so passionate about this Club and there’s no place I’d rather be. I’m very excited to keep this journey going for the next few years,” she added. 

"The growth she has shown has been incredible"

Speaking about Hemp, the Manchester City women's coach Gareth Taylor said, “Lauren is an outstanding player and I’m looking forward to continuing the journey we started together four years ago.

“The growth she has shown has been incredible, and we know that she will continue to bring great things to the team for the next three years.

“There’s so much more to come and we’re really pleased that Lauren has extended her stay with the Club.”

Lauren Hemp's records for City

Though only 23, Hemp had a solid impact on Manchester City's progress in recent years.

• With 157 appearances, she is the sixth on the list of players with most matches for Manchester City. 
• With 65 goals, she is now the club's third-highest goal scorer. 
• Four-time PFA Young Player of the Year award winner
• Man City’s 2021-22 Player of the Season 

15 goal contributions in this WSL season 

Hemp has already scored 9 times and assisted 6 times for Manchester City in this Women's Super League 2023-24 season. She is one of the main reasons why City is leading the points table and charging for that WSL title this season.