Manchester City is delighted to announce that Kerstin Casparij has signed a new two-year contract to 2027.
The 24-year-old defender has committed to a new deal that will see her stay at the Joie Stadium for a further two years.
A signing in the summer of 2022, the Dutch international has made 66 appearances in all competitions for City, scoring once and registering eight assists.
Manchester City Women Managing Director Charlotte O’Neill continued: “As well as her undoubted talent on the pitch, Kerstin has brought her infectious personality, drive and determination to City.
“She is one of the hardest working players in the squad and we believe has the potential to take her place amongst the best fullbacks in the game.
“We’re thrilled Kerstin has chosen to continue her footballing journey with us, as we continue to compete for all honours.”
Head Coach Gareth Taylor added: “We’re really happy that Kerstin has decided to extend her time with us.
“Kerstin is a player that we felt could help the team and improve in many areas – which we feel she has – which is why we’re delighted to continue the journey together!”
Reliable right-back
To understand the value placed on Kerstin Casparij by Manchester City and the significance of her extension, you need only look back at the praise recently afforded to her by Gareth Taylor.
“I have really high hopes that she can go on and become the best right-back in the world.
“She’s a top-class player and a top-class person to work with.
“I certainly think Kerstin is one who, having been in the building for a long time now is ready to make that step up.”
High praise indeed. But nestled within that glowing reference was a challenge to our right-back in a special episode of the official Man City Podcast in September 2024.
At the time, Casparij responded in her typically cheery manner, jokingly telling Taylor she’d recall that praise when he next took issue with any of her work in training, but her recent displays show that there’s a real drive to make her manager’s prediction a reality.
Joining the Club in the summer of 2022, descriptions of the Dutch international as departing right-back Lucy Bronze’s ‘replacement’ were understandable, if a little dramatic.
Still just 21, Casparij was about to experience football outside of her native Netherlands for the first time in her career, despite having already tasted plenty of success at Club level.
But she stood up to that challenge and, currently enjoying her third full season in Manchester, she’s become one of the most reliable full-backs in England, both in an attacking and defensive sense.
She settled well into WSL life in 2022/23, but it was midway through the following campaign where Casparij first seemed to really come of age.
Indeed, after starting our final fixture of the calendar year against Everton – a 4-1 win on Merseyside – she never looked back, with only Laia Aleixandri and Alex Greenwood featuring more times across the entire campaign from our defensive cohort.
That trend has continued this season, with the Dutch international’s searing pace, sharp touch and boundless energy complemented by a real bite out of possession.
In many ways, Casparij is the perfect blend of the ‘modern-day’ and ‘traditional’ full-back, regularly picking up play in central areas while also being seen bombing down the wing to get a cross in.
But, crucially, it’s never at the expense of her defensive responsibilities. Above all, the 24-year-old is a team player, and one whose love for City is clear.
No wonder she’s already acquired ‘cult hero’ status among the Blues’ supporters – helped in no small part by… ‘passionate’… celebrations in recent Manchester derby victories.
Her popularity aside, Casparij has all the tools at her disposal to become one of the world’s best in her position.
As Gareth Taylor referenced, she’s certainly on the right trajectory to achieve that. Her commitment to the Club for the next two years makes that future even more exciting from a blue perspective.
Season-by-Season City stats
2022/23
Played: 25
Starts: 18
Assists: 5
Clean Sheets: 8
2023/24
Played: 26
Starts: 19
Assists: 1
Clean Sheets: 5
2024/25*
Played: 15
Starts: 13
Goals: 1
Assists: 2
Clean Sheets: 11
*Correct as of 15/12/2024
