Manchester City defender Alanna Kennedy has announced that she will be departing the club with immediate effect.

The defender took to social media on Tuesday morning to announce the news, telling City fans: “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. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of those who supported me during my time here.”

Kennedy has made 64 appearances throughout her City tenure, including appearances in the side’s FA Women’s League Cup winning run during the 2021/22 campaign.

Fans raised their suspicions of Kennedy’s departure after the defender was left out of the City squad that lost 4-2 against Manchester United, as the Women’s Super League (WSL) returned after the winter break last weekend.

Confirming the news, Kennedy wished her teammates all the best as they prepare to enter the business-end of the season. “Last but certainly not least, I want to thank my teammates,” she penned. “It has been a privilege to play alongside you all and I wish you all of the continued success for the rest of the season and beyond.”

The departure will raise significant concerns for City fans with captain Alex Greenwood currently facing an extended period on the sidelines after damaging her MCL prior to Christmas. Gareth Taylor will be betting on the January signing of defender Rebecca Knaak from FC Rosengard to bolster his backline ahead of a congested run of fixtures.

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