Women

Jill Roord leaving VfL Women

The midfielder has had her contract cancelled early to join Manchester City.

Despite signing a three-year contract with VfL Wolfsburg in summer 2021, Jill Roord’s stay is coming to a premature end after two seasons. VfL management have agreed to terminate the Netherlands international’s contract a year early at the player’s request. Roord is now moving to English club Manchester City, who finished fourth in the FA Women’s Super League last season and thus missed out on qualification for the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

The 26-year-old began her professional career at FC Twente before moving to Bayern Munich in 2017, and then Arsenal in 2019. After 69 appearances in green and white – the last coming in the 3-2 defeat in the Champions League final against FC Barcelona – the central midfielder is now returning to England. Roord won the DFB Cup twice with VfL (2022 and 2023) as well as the Bundesliga title in 2022.

“Having turned down Jill’s wish for a transfer last summer, we’ve now granted her latest request,” said Ralf Kellermann, VfL Wolfsburg director of women’s football. “It goes without saying that we would’ve liked to see Jill wearing our shirt again in the coming season, as we know what great qualities she has as a footballer. Compared to a year ago however, the overall the situation is different in this transfer window, which is why our decision is also different. Taking into account the financial element of a transfer and the crucial fact of not losing her to a Champions League rival in 2023/24, we think that we have reached the best possible solution. We would like to thank Jill for the commitment she showed in a VfL jersey and wish her all the best for her future.”