Frida Maanum has extended her Arsenal contract, confirming Arseblog News’ exclusive story from last week. The Norwegian has enjoyed a breakthrough season with the Gunners becoming one of the team’s most important players, starting 32 of Arsenal’s 38 games last season and playing 29 of their last 30.
Maanum was nominated for the Barclays player of the season and was voted as the Arsenal player of the season by the Arsenal Women’s Supporters Club
Maanum, who joined the club in the summer of 2022, told Arsenal.com, “It feels great – I love Arsenal and I’m looking forward to continuing my time here,” said Frida. “This is a place where I can develop and learn from the players around me and take steps both on and off the pitch. We’ve had some really special moments this season and the connection with our supporters has been fantastic, so I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”
Head Coach Jonas Eidevall added: “Frida has been one of the outstanding performers in world football this season and we’re delighted that she has agreed a new deal with us. Since joining us two seasons ago, Frida has developed into a wonderful player and has contributed an impressive number of goals and assists this year. I believe there is a very high ceiling for what Frida can achieve in the game and I’m so pleased she will continue to wear Arsenal colours moving forward.”
Head of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley said: “Everyone at Arsenal is delighted that Frida has signed a new contract here with the club. At 23, Frida is already one of the most exciting players in the game and we look forward to watching her continue to excel in red and white for years to come.”
I wonder if it’s been a deliberate effort to have similar messaging for contract renewals from the men’s and women’s team. Everyone has talked about family in some capacity, really aligns with Mikel’s togetherness message as well.
It’s important to think of the club as one entity with one identity rather than individual teams playing under the same umbrella. Having a group of players and coaches and administrators all pulling in the same direction underlines this, and shows the players, whichever unit they are a part of, that they are just as important as anyone else and hard work and dedication will get the recognition it deserves.
I’m sure it’s deliberate. And to be fair to the club, they have made moves towards making this a reality for the women’s side as opposed to just lip service or aspirational.
It’s pleasing to see that players are extending their contracts so they are buying into Project Jonas! Can only help in the recruitment drive.
What’s the deal with Lydia Bedford moving on so soon though? Is the lure of a Premiership job too great even if only at a junior level?
Lydia was only on a contract till the end of the season, basically hiring her short term was a bit of (good) opportunism from Arsenal to get her for a few months and while she figured out her next move.
Cheers Tim
A woman coaching a men’s side is a welcome and inevitable change that a lot of people are going to struggle to come to terms with (and frankly those people can jump in the lake). I wish Lydia and all who follow in her footsteps the best of luck.
So glad she signed for more years. She scored some crucial goals in one of our most vulnerable seasons. Few would have been surprised if we had finished outside the top 3 or had been knocked out of the Champions League much sooner with so many injuries. Big goals in key moments while still young – definitely can become one of the best players in the world.
I agree. She’s a leader. I see her and Pelova as the core of our team in the not-too-distant future.
Some wonderful players in the ladies team.
I just wonder how the season would have transpired if we didn’t have so many injuries to key players.
Very, very happy Frida has signed a new contract, its great news. On the subject of the ‘one big family ethos’ l think Arsenal and probably other clubs too have finally realised that the fan base are not really a separate entity and that without the supporters there’d be no point. To make us all feel part of ‘the club’ is a great plan, you always give more if you feel included. Look at how well the girls have been supported by the fans especially this season, thats because we all feel part of what they are trying to achieve,… Read more »