The 23-year-old will join Nick Cushing’s side from Bristol, having played – and scored – against the Blues in the 2017 FA Cup and Spring Series campaigns.
An attacking presence, admired for her direct approach and creativity, Emslie impressed during the league champions’ two visits to the Stoke Gifford Stadium.
City made an impression on Emslie too, who highlights the Club’s professionalism as a major attraction.
“It feels great to be here,” she told ManCity.com. “Manchester City are a huge Club and the women’s team is amazing. I’m really happy to be here.
“For the past few years, City have been really successful. Playing against them last season, I was really impressed with the way they carried themselves and their performance. I’m really eager to be part of that.
“The City Football Academy is quite overwhelming. The facilities are fantastic and the whole structure – the integration between the Academy, the women’s team and the men’s team – is brilliant.
“Nick Cushing said he likes my style of play and could see me fitting in with the style here. I hope it will be a great fit.
“I like to enjoy myself and work hard, seeing the best in every opportunity.
“Coming here, I’m going to be surrounded by established players and I’m looking forward to working with them and learning from them, pushing myself and challenging myself to become the best player I can be. This is perfect for me.”
Emslie moves to Manchester, having fired Bristol to promotion from WSL2 in 2016 with a remarkable 12 goals in ten games.
She found the net against the Blues in an FA Cup clash in March this year, levelling the score with a driving run and drilled finish.
It was a proud moment for a determined individual, who believes she can fulfil her full potential with City.
She reflected: “Before the [FA Cup] game, we knew City had a brilliant defensive record and hardly ever conceded. When I managed to get in behind and finish, I was obviously really happy.
“That game, the way City played, I thought: ‘wow, I’d love to be part of that squad one day.’
“I’m really grateful to Willie Kirk, the Bristol manager, for taking me there and introducing me to the game here in England.
“I joined Bristol halfway through the season in WSL2 last year. The big draw was fighting for promotion.
“When I joined last June, I hadn’t played a competitive game in eight months. I was so excited to get back onto the pitch. The goals came and they mattered towards the end of the season when we had to get promoted..
“I was surrounded by great players on that team. I’m grateful for playing for them.
“It was a great journey to get promoted and then playing in the Spring Series in WSL1 was the next step up.
“I didn’t know what to expect [from the top flight after promotion]. I just knew we were going to play against big teams.
“I looked at that as an opportunity to learn and grow and test myself to see how I could cope. I managed to do quite well and now, coming to City, I’m looking to do more of that.
“I’d like to mature as a player and get a bit more consistent. I’d also like to maybe improve my leadership.”
Edinburgh-born Emslie began her senior career with Hibernian in the Scottish Women’s Premier League in 2013. In three seasons, she featured 35 times, scoring an impressive 18 goals.
Upon finishing high school, the then-midfielder opted to embark on a new and exciting challenge, studying exercise physiology at Florida Atlantic University. She played for their college team and enjoyed plenty of success as a forward with the Owls, becoming her side’s all-time record goalscorer and being named Student Athlete of the Year in her final term.
On the international stage, she has represented Scotland at every level from Under-15 and hopes her experiences will benefit the Blues.
She recalled: “Moving to Florida was a big adventure and it gave me a lot of confidence in terms of moving somewhere new, fitting in and making somewhere new home.
“I know the Scottish girls Jane Ross and Jen Beattie from the national team [which will help]. I’m excited to be in their team and around them.
“I’m just looking forward to getting started and getting a winning streak. Long term, we want to win the league, win cups and have a great run in the Champions League.
“My mentality is just to work my hardest. Whatever rewards you get are what you deserve. I’m going to keep my head down and try my best.
“I’m excited for this move and I can’t wait for it to start.”
