The forward, who is widely regarded as one of the game’s brightest talents, has committed her future to the Club with a deal that runs to the summer of 2025.
Kelly moved to the Academy Stadium from Everton in July 2020 and enjoyed a highly successful debut season, scoring 16 goals in 34 appearances and helping City win the delayed 2019-20 Women’s FA Cup before an ACL injury brought and unfortunate and premature end to her maiden campaign.
The 24-year-old is yet to feature this term, but is nearing a return to first team action and is delighted to have prolonged her stay at a Club where she believes she can be successful.
“I’m over the moon to finally put pen to paper on a new deal,” she told mancity.com.
“I’m really happy with the way I’ve started my time here at City, and long may that continue.
“As soon as I came here, I felt so welcomed into the group–the girls are great. I know I’ve still got so much to learn and the best is yet to come, but I want to win trophies and I believe that we can do that here at City.
“During my rehabilitation, this has been a time where I’ve learnt so much about myself off the pitch too.
“I’ve really enjoyed working with Gareth [Taylor] as well – he’s really brought out the best in me so far and especially during my first season, he gave me the confidence I needed to thrive as a player.
“It was a great start to my time here, but it was really unfortunate that I didn’t get to play in front of our fans. That’s something I’m so excited for in my comeback –to finally play in front of our amazing supporters at the Academy Stadium.”
Having arrived at City with a growing reputation, Kelly quickly evidenced her talent with a string of impressive performances.
City supporters voted her Player of the Season at the end of 2020-21, whilst she was also included in the PFA’s Team of the Year and also scooped the Women’s Player of the Year accolade at the North West Football Awards in November.
Kelly follows in the footsteps of Lauren Hemp, Steph Houghton and Esme Morgan, who have all penned fresh terms in recent weeks, and Head Coach Gareth Taylor is pleased to have tied down a player he feels boasts exceptional ability.
“Having Chloe sign an extension with us is fantastic news,” he added.
“Given that we’ve been without her this season, her upcoming return will be like having a new signing and that’s such an exciting prospect with a player of her calibre.
“She’s an unbelievable talent, as she showed during her first season here, and is a player with a very bright future ahead of her. We’ve definitely only scratched the surface of what she has to offer so far.
“Her commitment and dedication, whether that be on the pitch or during her rehabilitation, is clear to see and I’m thrilled that we’ll have the opportunity to continue to work with her and hopefully enjoy success together in the years to come.”
