England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck has found a new home at Barcelona after her contract with Manchester City expired. The 24-year-old has penned a deal keeping her with the Spanish giants until June 2026.
Roebuck, a key member of England's Euro 2022 winning squad, boasts over 100 appearances for Manchester City. She expressed her delight at joining Barcelona: "I'm incredibly excited. This opportunity is something I've been waiting for a long time. It feels like everything is aligning perfectly, and this is the ideal moment for me."
Her City career began on a high note, making her senior debut on the final day of the 2016 WSL season, clinching the championship with the team. However, a stroke earlier this year sidelined Roebuck for a period, and Manchester City teammate Khiara Keating emerged as the team's primary goalkeeper in 2023-24.
Analysis: Roebuck's Barcelona Move: A Chance for Revival
This move to Barcelona presents a golden opportunity for Roebuck to reignite her career, according to BBC Sport's Adam Millington. Initially considered a frontrunner for England's starting goalkeeper position, she lost favor under manager Sarina Wiegman, with Manchester United's Mary Earps taking the reins.
Limited playing time at City, further impacted by her stroke recovery, made it difficult for Roebuck to maintain her spot in the England squad. However, a fresh start at Barcelona offers a chance for a comeback. She'll share goalkeeping duties with Spain's Cata Coll following Sandra Paños' departure. Barcelona's busy schedule and rotation policy present an ideal platform for Roebuck to reclaim her form and potentially challenge for the England starting spot once again.