Football News: Mary Earps Set to Leave Manchester United, Eyeing Move to Paris Saint-Germain
In a significant development in the world of women’s football, England goalkeeper Mary Earps is poised to leave Manchester United as a free agent at the end of June when her contract expires. The 31-year-old shot-stopper is strongly considering a contract offer from French giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), although the move to the French capital has not been finalized yet.
United had offered Earps a lucrative package to stay, believed to be the most financially attractive offer on the table, but the goalkeeper is understood to be prioritizing her pursuit of more silverware and a chance to play in the prestigious Women’s Champions League (WCL). Last season, United finished fifth in the Women’s Super League, missing out on European qualification, but did manage to win the Women’s FA Cup, the club’s first major women’s trophy.
Losing Earps, arguably their most valuable asset, on a free transfer will be seen as a major blow for Manchester United, coming a year after they lost other key England and Spain internationals Alessia Russo and Ona Batlle at the end of their contracts.
Discussions between Earps and United were ongoing throughout the previous season, with the club rejecting an offer from Arsenal for the goalkeeper during the 2022 World Cup, which would have set a new record transfer fee for a women’s goalkeeper. However, Arsenal’s interest in Earps has since cooled, as they turned their attention to signing Netherlands keeper Daphne van Domselaar instead.
Earps, who has been capped 50 times by the England national team, has been the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman since the Dutchwoman took charge in 2021.
PSG Eyeing Earps as Highest-Paid Goalkeeper
PSG, who reached the semi-finals of the WCL and finished runners-up in the French top flight last season, have been interested in Earps for several months and are reportedly willing to make her the highest-paid goalkeeper in the women’s game.
This development comes as a significant blow to Manchester United’s women’s team, as they look to build on their FA Cup triumph and challenge for a return to European competition in the upcoming season.
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