Manchester City goalkeeper departs club after 13 years for undisclosed fee

Ipswich Town have announced the signing of goalkeeper Cieran Slicker from Manchester City for an undisclosed fee.

The 20 year-old has signed a three-year contract with the Sky Bet Championship club after spending 13 years at Manchester City, coming through the club’s academy system.

Slicker, who was recalled from a loan deal at Rochdale after failing to make a league appearance last season, featured in seven Premier League 2 matches for the title-winning Manchester City EDS, managed by Brian Barry-Murphy.

The Scotland U21 international was an unused substitute for the Manchester City first-team in both the Premier League and Champions League during the 2021/22 campaign, and has joined Ipswich for an undisclosed fee.

Slicker featured in both the Carabao Cup and EFL trophy for Rochdale last season, and has previously trained alongside Ederson, Scott Carson and Zack Steffen during his time at Manchester City.

The goalkeeper also featured against Sweden, Wales and Norway for Scotland’s U21s during the 2022/23 campaign.

Upon completing a permanent move to Ipswich Town, Slicker said: “I’m buzzing to be here because this is a great opportunity for me at an amazing club.

“Saying goodbye to City is tough, because I have been there for 13 years, but this is definitely the right time for me. 

“I have been speaking to Reg [Rene Gilmartin, Head of Goalkeeping at Ipswich] and I can’t wait to get started with him. He’s worked with goalkeepers I’ve played with previously and everyone has spoken very highly of him. 

“The way Ipswich play was a big part of the reason I chose to come here, because it suits my style. 

“Everyone I know who played in League One last season said Ipswich were the best team by a mile, so hearing that was great for me. In some ways it’s similar to the way City play so that is really big for me. 

“Working with Ederson, Scott [Carson] and Zak [Steffen] at City has been a brilliant experience for me and working with Christian [Walton] is going to be the same.

“He was the best goalkeeper in the league last season and I want to learn as much as I can from him because he sets the standards I want to reach.”

Slicker is one of several City Football Academy departures already this summer, with midfielder Shea Charles having also completed a permanent move to the EFL Championship, signing for Southampton.

Central defender Callum Doyle is also set to play in the English second-tier next season after agreeing a season-long loan switch to Leicester City, who are managed by former Manchester City first-team assistant coach Enzo Maresca.

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