Manchester City have signed Sandy Maclver from Everton on a three-year contract for an undisclosed transfer fee.
This move sees Maclver re-join Man City after a six year absence – having been part of their Youth Academy in 2015 before she moved to USA on a soccer scholarship in 2016, where she established herself as first-choice goalkeeper for Clemson Tigers across her three years Stateside.
Upon graduating from Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA, in January 2020, Maclver moved back to England and signed for Everton where she went on to make 48 senior appearances for the club, where she initially began her youth career.
During her time at Everton, Maclver was named as player of the match in the Toffees’ extra-time defeat against City in the 2019-20 Women’s FA Cup Final, having made numerous saves in a dramatic final at Wembley Stadium.
MacIver’s performances though have persuaded City to sign her for an undisclosed fee on a three-year contract until June 2025.
Speaking about the opportunity to return to City, Maclver said: “I’m really happy to be back here, this time as a professional player – Manchester City is a world class club across the board, and I’m very much looking forward to being a part of that.”
Having spent the last two-and-a-half years at Everton, Maclver also added that she believes that now is a “really important” time in her career to push her game “to the next level”, as she looks to learn from “world-class players and coaches” at City.
With several experienced players at City having departed this summer in a squad revamp, Maclver described City’s plans as “really ambitious” in their bid to regularly chase title success in all competitions and is “excited” to be part of that challenge in the next three seasons.
City Women’s Head Coach, Gareth Taylor is “pleased” to sign Maclver as he admitted to admiring her over recent seasons, especially when City have faced Everton on several occasions since he took charge of the team.
Explaining exactly what made him want to sign Maclver, Taylor stated that MacIver’s “dedication and commitment to her craft” was impressive as he believes that she will challenge current first-choice goalie – Ellie Roebuck and in turn benefit both players in their development.
Maclver and Roebuck are also teammates in England Women National Team, although Maclver hasn’t been favoured much with just one cap to her name so far and has been left out of the Euro squad.
Taylor though is anticipating a stronger future for Maclver as he concluded: “She has a very bright future ahead of her though and we’re excited to be on this journey alongside her over the coming years.”
Everton meanwhile issued the following statement on MacIver’s departure in which they commented: “Everton would like to thank Sandy for her service and everyone at the Club wishes her success for the future.”
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