Cecily Wellesley-Smith has returned to her parent club Arsenal following a loan spell at Leicester City.
The 18-year-old joined the Foxes during the summer transfer window and made her debut in a 5-1 Subway Women’s League Cup win over Ipswich Town in September.
She was initially expected to remain with the club for the season.
However, a statement from Leicester City on Friday read: “Cecily departs with our appreciation for her hard work and dedication whilst with LCFC Women and with our best wishes for her future career.”
Goalkeeper Naomi Williams has also returned to the Gunners following a loan spell with Bristol City, confirming reports earlier in the week
Cecily Wellesley-Smith: her career so far
The 18-year-old signed her first professional contract with Arsenal in June 2025, following a move from Oxford United the previous August, gaining senior experience as she made 16 appearances with the U’s in the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier on a dual-registration agreement.
“I’m so proud to sign my first professional contract with Arsenal,” said Wellesley-Smith to the Arsenal website at the time.
“During my time here so far, I’ve loved learning from some of the best players and staff in the game and gaining an understanding of what it means to represent this great club. I’m looking forward to continuing to work hard in order to keep progressing and building as I begin my journey in the professional game.”
Head of player development James Honeyman was quoted as saying: “Cecily has been at Arsenal for just over a year and has shown determination and passion for both the club and for football. We’re all proud of Cecily’s journey, especially the steps she has taken to begin her transition to the senior environment. We’re all looking forward to supporting Cecily as she continues her development in red and white.”
Director of women’s football Clare Wheatley said: “Everyone at the club is thrilled to see another young player sign professional terms with us. Cecily has a fantastic work ethic and attitude, and we have no doubt these will stand her in good stead as she continues to grow and develop here at Arsenal.”
The centre-back, a regular England youth international, was called up to represent her nation at the UEFA Women’s European Under-19 Championship, having already played in the UEFA European Women’s Under-17 Championship in Sweden in May 2024 and the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic in October 2024.
With the Gunners, she has trained with the senior squad and was part of the 24/25 PGA League Under-21 Division 1 title triumph.
