Ethan Laird arrived at Blues from Manchester United in July 2023 for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-year contract.

The Basingstoke-born defender joined the Red Devils at the age of 10 and by 2016, when in the Academy, he was a scorer against MSK Zilina in a friendly. With a scholarship secured, 19 appearances were made during the 2017/18 season as the youngest member of the intake. This was paired up with action for the Under-23s and outings in the UEFA Youth League

Once graduated from the Academy, he became United’s first goalscorer in the EFL Trophy, finding the net as they won at Rotherham United before making his senior bow later in 2019. Against Astana, in the UEFA Europa League, he played the full 90 minutes away from home ahead of making his Old Trafford bow when AZ Alkmaar visited a fortnight later as Manchester United finished top of Group L. 

At the start of January 2021, Laird was loaned to Milton Keynes Dons and made 25 outings, as well as four assists. He then followed Russell Martin to Swansea and between time in South Wales and his next loan to AFC Bournemouth, he racked up more than 1,600 Sky Bet Championship minutes – winning promotion to the Premier League with the Cherries.

Following a pre-season spent globetrotting with Manchester United to Thailand and Australia ahead of a switch to Queens Park Rangers. There he played 33 games and struck as the Hoops beat Hull City in August 2022.

Laird has represented England at Under-17s, Under-18s and Under-19s level, helping the former reach the 2018 UEFA European Under-17 Championship semi-finals.