In a surprising turn of events, Australian defender Alanna Kennedy has bid farewell to Manchester City after a 3.5-year stint with the Women’s Super League (WSL) club. The 30-year-old center-back is set to embark on a new chapter in her career, joining the ranks of NWSL side Angel City FC ahead of the upcoming season.
Kennedy’s departure was initially revealed in a now-deleted social media post by Manchester City, confirming her move to the Los Angeles-based club. Her absence from City’s mid-season training camp in Abu Dhabi and the squad list for the recent Manchester derby, which ended in a 4-2 defeat to rivals United, further fueled speculation about her future.
A Glittering Tenure at Man City
During her time at Manchester City, Kennedy made a significant impact, featuring in 64 matches across all competitions. Her defensive prowess and leadership qualities were instrumental in helping the club secure the League Cup trophy in 2022.
Manchester has been my home for the past 3 and a half years and I am leaving with a lot of amazing memories. I’ve had some real career highlights playing for this team and made some friends for life.
Alanna Kennedy, via Instagram
Key Achievements at Man City
- 64 appearances across all competitions
- League Cup winner in 2022
- Defensive stalwart and leader on the pitch
A New Chapter with Angel City FC
As Kennedy gears up for her move to the NWSL, she will be joining an ambitious project in Angel City FC. The club, which made its debut in the league in 2022, boasts a star-studded ownership group that includes Hollywood celebrities and former US Women’s National Team players.
The addition of Kennedy to Angel City’s defensive line is expected to bring experience, solidity, and leadership to the young squad as they aim to make a mark in the highly competitive NWSL.
Alanna Kennedy’s Career Highlights
- 100+ caps for the Australian Women’s National Team
- Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games
- Stint in the NWSL with Orlando Pride (2017-2019)
- Widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest defenders
As Alanna Kennedy embarks on this new chapter in her illustrious career, fans and pundits alike will be eagerly watching to see how she adapts to the challenges of the NWSL and makes her mark with Angel City FC. Her departure leaves a significant void in Manchester City’s backline, but also presents an exciting opportunity for the Australian defender to showcase her talents on a new stage.
