The 18-year-old goalkeeper joins the Club from Reading after progressing through the Royals’ academy.
She then went on to total three appearances for Reading and also made her England Under-19 bow last term – playing the full 90 minutes in a 5-0 victory over Denmark.
Annets said: “[It feels] amazing. I mean a club like this, to hear they’re interested in you is just a feeling that can’t be matched. And just the aspirations I’ve got, coming to a club like this is just incredible.
“City is a great club and it’s probably one of the best in the world to be at for a youngster who wants to grow. There’s nothing better.
“My family are from Manchester. My parents both born and raised here, so I’m keen to grow and learn in the city.”
Manchester City Women Managing Director, Charlotte O’Neill, said: “Winning teams are made when the right mix of talent come together in an environment where they can flourish, on and off the pitch.
“With Eve, we have a young player looking to take her talent to the next level, and I’m looking forward to seeing her develop.”
Head Coach Gareth Taylor continued: “Eve is a talented young player. It’s clear she’s someone who wants to learn and raise her game even further.”
A bright future
It’s been a whirlwind 12 months for Eve Annets, but she’s handled it in impressive fashion.
In October 2023 she made her professional debut in Reading’s Continental Cup opener against Tottenham Hotspur, with her first home appearance following three months later against their North London rivals, Arsenal.
She was just 17 at the time, with an England Under-19 call-up adding to the list of achievements in her burgeoning career.
It was a baptism of fire for the youngster, but hearing her talk about that experience provides an indication of her attitude to the big games and occasions.
“I’ve not had the easiest fixtures,” she joked in her first interview as a City player.
“But I’ve really appreciated having those opportunities, being able to prove myself and just level myself up playing against the best players in the world and saying that’s where I want to be in the future.
“Playing against players that play for their country, have played in the Champions League, that have won the WSL, it’s just an incredible experience.
“These are things I want to do in the future, play for the Lionesses, win the Champions League, win the WSL.
“To compare myself to players like that and coming to City is just a great move to keep myself in that environment and keep myself growing.”
Crucially, Annets’ ambition to be at the top is complemented by an understanding of what it will take to get there. It’s clear that she’s willing to put the work in and has the precocious talent to back it up.
Comfortable with the ball at her feet, the goalkeeper’s height also means she’s able to dominate her box effectively, despite her tender years.
It also wouldn’t be too hyperbolic to describe her as a bit of a penalty specialist, with her having been the shootout hero for Reading on two separate occasions in 2023/24.
Discussions around her penchant for penalties once again demonstrate her impressive mental fortitude.
Annets adds: “I love penalties, absolutely love them. I think all the pressure is on the striker and I just love that about them.
“It’s a great feeling to be making a save and just keeping the team in it.
“That’s why I go in and do so well I think because I tell myself I’m going to save a penalty.
“[I] try and do something psychological to get in the minds of the attackers, but you’ve just got to do your best really.”
With Khiara Keating and Sandy MacIver to work alongside, Annets is sure to soak up plenty more knowledge from her new colleagues as she looks to take her game to a new level under Gareth Taylor.
As with many other youngsters at the Club, she has an exciting future ahead of her at the Joie Stadium.
