Manchester City Signs Germany Full-Back Carlotta Wamser

Manchester City have moved again in the market, sealing the signing of Germany full-back Carlotta Wamser from Bayer Leverkusen on a four-year deal, in a move that underlines the WSL champions’ intent to stay ahead of the pack.

The 22-year-old arrives as a modern full-back in every sense: quick, aggressive and comfortable on either flank, offering City valuable balance at a time when their defensive options have been stretched. She joined Leverkusen from Eintracht Frankfurt on a free transfer in July 2025 and has developed steadily in the Frauen-Bundesliga, catching the eye with her versatility and maturity.

This is City’s third major addition of the summer, following the capture of defender Niamh Charles from Chelsea and forward Beth Mead from Arsenal. On paper, it is a statement window. In reality, it is also a necessary one.

Charles is already among a growing list of injury absentees that also includes Grace Clinton, Vivianne Miedema, Jade Rose and Laura Wienroither. Those setbacks have stripped depth from a squad expected not just to defend its WSL crown but to set the pace again. Wamser’s arrival, then, is not a luxury. It is cover, competition and a fresh dimension all at once.

For the player, this is a calculated leap. A 14-cap Germany international, Wamser has come through the country’s famed youth system, tasting success with the Under-17 European Championship-winning side in 2019. That background brings with it a certain steel and tactical education that City value highly.

"I had a perfect welcome here and I already feel very good here and I look forward to my time here in Manchester," she said, speaking after the move was confirmed. For a young defender stepping into one of the most demanding leagues in the world, she sounded anything but daunted.

"The English league is the best league in the world and Manchester City is one of the best clubs in the world. I feel like I need the next step for my career and I feel that I can develop as a player here. And I like the challenge as well, so I think it's the perfect step for me right now."

Those words fit neatly with City’s own vision. Director of football Therese Sjogran made it clear this is a signing they have tracked, not a late scramble.

"We are delighted to welcome Carlotta to the club. She is a player we've admired for some time and know she will bring energy, passion and a willingness to learn to the team," Sjogran said. "For such a young, exciting talent to trust us with the next step of her career is something we feel conveys a strong message of what we are building here."

The timing is significant. City open their title defence at home to Birmingham City on Sunday, a fixture that should allow supporters an early glimpse of the club’s reshaped back line and the new options at Gareth Taylor’s disposal. With injuries forcing adjustments, Wamser’s ability to slot in on either side of the defence could quickly prove vital.

City have not just added another body. They have brought in a young international with a winner’s pedigree, ready to test herself in what she believes is the toughest environment in the women’s game.

The champions have strengthened again. Now the question is simple: how far can this refreshed City side stretch the gap to those chasing them?