England defender Gemma Bonner signed for City in June 2018.

The centre-back became Nick Cushing’s third signing of the summer, following in the footsteps of Caroline Weir in making the move to Manchester from Merseyside, after a six-year spell at Liverpool.

Versatile, powerful in the air and comfortable in possession, the 26-year-old hopes to reach new heights with City, competing for trophies once again and making her return to Champions League action.

She also aspires to earn regular first-team appearances on the international front with Phil Neville’s England, having progressed through the youth ranks with the Lionesses to the senior squad.

Bonner started her career with hometown Club Leeds United, where she helped the Lilywhites to League Cup success in 2010.

Her performances attracted interest from Chelsea and the defender switched to the London outfit in January 2011 ahead of the new Super League campaign. She went on to feature in the 2012 FA Cup Final.

The following November, the opportunity to sign for her favoured Liverpool arose. Bonner returned north and was appointed captain, leading her side to back-to-back league titles in 2013 and 2014.

She joined City with a wealth of experience behind her – both for club and country. Having represented England at youth level for the Under-17, U19s, U20s and U23s, she earned her first senior cap in 2013 and has made ten appearances for the Lionesses’ first-team.

Unfortunately, she missed the latter stages of the 2017/18 campaign through injury but asserts the setback has instilled a new hunger and desire.