Layla Drury Makes History with Manchester United Professional Deal
17-year-old Layla Drury has signed her first professional contract with Manchester United Women, becoming the youngest player to do so in the WSL club's history.
Manchester United Women have secured a significant talent for their future, as 17-year-old Layla Drury officially put pen to paper on her first professional contract. This landmark deal, as reported by The Guardian, makes her the youngest player ever to sign a professional contract with the WSL club, highlighting the immense potential United sees in the young star.
Drury, who switched her international allegiance from Wales to England earlier this year, has already made a notable impact. She debuted for the senior team in an FA Cup clash against Burnley in January, where she also scored in a commanding 5-0 victory. This goal made her Manchester United Women's youngest ever goalscorer, further cementing her status as a player to watch. Her rapid ascent from academy to senior team, culminating in this professional deal, signals a bright future for both Drury and United.
While her immediate impact on the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game is yet to be seen, this signing marks her as a long-term prospect. As a forward or attacking midfielder, her FPL position is likely to be either a midfielder or possibly a forward, depending on how she is categorised. Given her age and the strength of the Manchester United Women's squad, she will likely be a budget-priced option, possibly around the £4.5m-£6.0m range, when she is eventually added to the FPL game. Initially, her minutes in the Premier League are expected to be limited as she integrates further into the senior setup, making her a low-likelihood starter. However, her proven ability to score and her record-breaking achievements suggest high differential potential once she establishes herself. Managers should keep a close eye on her development; exact FPL price and detailed statistics will be confirmed upon her inclusion in the game.
By the numbers
- Age: 17
- Senior Debut: January (FA Cup vs Burnley)
- Goals Scored: 1 (FA Cup vs Burnley)
- Club Record: Youngest player to sign a professional deal for Manchester United Women
- Club Record: Youngest goalscorer for Manchester United Women
FPL Verdict:
- Start Likelihood: Low initially
- Minutes: Limited at first, increasing with development
- Expected Points: Low initially, but high long-term potential
- Differential: High potential once established, as she's a promising young talent.
OneFPL analysis. Original reporting: The Guardian. Not affiliated with the Premier League or Fantasy Premier League.