Shaw Extends Manchester City Contract After Transfer Speculation
Khadija Shaw has become the first player in Women's Super League (WSL) history to score over 20 goals in three separate seasons. The Manchester City striker has signed a new four-year contract with the club, ending speculation about her departure this summer.
The Jamaica international, who finished as the WSL's top scorer for the third consecutive season with 21 goals in 22 games, played a pivotal role in City's first league title since 2016.
Following a breakdown in contract renewal talks, Chelsea were widely expected to sign Shaw on a free transfer. However, the 29-year-old announced her commitment to City during the club's end-of-season celebrations, where she was also awarded the player of the season trophy.
"I am still here, I am still hungry and there is no place I would rather be," Shaw said.
"I'm happy to announce I will be staying at the football club," she added, before being embraced by her teammates.
This season, Shaw also earned the Football Writers' Association women's footballer of the year award and was named WSL player of the season. Manchester City will face Brighton in the Women's FA Cup final on Sunday as they pursue a domestic double.
Across all competitions this term, Shaw has scored 26 goals and provided seven assists in 31 appearances. Since joining City in 2021, she has amassed 117 goals in 137 appearances, becoming the club's record goalscorer.
"It's a huge statement from City that we've secured the services of one of the best centre-forwards in the world," said director of football Therese Sjogran.
Analysis - City’s Significant Contract Reversal Ahead of Transfer Window
Shaw's decision to remain at Manchester City marks one of the most notable contract reversals involving a high-profile WSL player in recent memory. Just days prior, she appeared set to leave the club after renewal talks stalled.
With Shaw potentially available on a free transfer, Chelsea were prepared to offer a lucrative deal to bring the star striker to London. However, City supporters vocally expressed their desire for her to stay, chanting "we want Bunny to stay" repeatedly at the Albert Hall during the club's celebrations of their first WSL title in a decade.
The situation continued to develop as Shaw collected individual honors including the WSL player of the season and Golden Boot awards. As public and media pressure increased, Manchester City intensified efforts to secure a new agreement, culminating in Shaw signing the contract within the past 24 hours.
The strong reaction to the prospect of her departure reinforced Shaw's conviction that City is the right place for her to continue her career, a sentiment she has expressed in multiple interviews by referring to the club as her "home."
Sources close to Shaw indicate she is satisfied with the four-year contract, which includes a wage package that reflects her status as one of the world’s premier players.
During Manchester City's WSL victory celebration at the Co-Op Live after party, attended by 19,000 fans, Shaw was asked to address the "elephant in the room." She appeared modest before stating:
"I'm still here. I'm still hungry and there is no place I would rather be. I'm happy to announce that I will be staying at the football club."
This signing is expected to be the most significant transaction in the WSL this summer, despite the transfer window not yet opening.
Ben Haines, Ellen White and Jen Beattie return for another season of the Women's Football Weekly podcast. New episodes are released every Tuesday on , featuring interviews and additional content from the Women's Super League and beyond.
Stay updated with the latest WSL news on our dedicated page.
