Manchester City confirm defender to leave on free transfer amidst reports of return to childhood club | OneFootball

Laia Aleixandri will depart Manchester City when her contract expires this summer, the club have confirmed.

Having signed for the Cityzens in 2022, the Spanish defender made 88 appearances in all competitions and scored three times over the course of three seasons.

The 24-year-old has widely been linked with a return to FC Barcelona, having risen through the club’s academy before leaving for Atlético Madrid in search of play time.

Aleixandri spent five years in the Spanish capital before signing for Manchester City, where she has displayed immense versatility and has operated in various areas of the defence and midfield. During 2024/25, she has also donned the captain’s armband after regular captain Alex Greenwood was sidelined through injury.

Manchester City said in their official statement: “Everyone at Manchester City would like to thank Laia for her efforts during her time at the Club and wish her the very best for the future.”