There was less than an hour remaining in the Women’s Super League summer transfer window when the most stunning business of all was completed. Jess Park and Grace Clinton had been stalwarts at Manchester City and Manchester United, respectively, during the previous season, and yet at the eleventh hour, both were sent to opposite sides of the city.

It prompted criticism of United, with many questioning whether they had done enough summer business. That feeling intensified in the first half of the season when the club’s lack of depth played a part in their inability to mount a serious WSL title challenge. But no criticism can be levelled at the club for what they have done with Park.

Given Freedom to Find Spaces

Revitalised by the freedom handed to her by United boss Marc Skinner, who has crafted out a unique role for her on the pitch, the England international has helped this team reach the Champions League quarter finals and Sunday’s League Cup final. “Of course you’re going to be a little bit sceptical. But as soon as I hit the field, I heard the fans straight away, and that’s much appreciated. I’ve loved every minute of it,” Park tells GOAL.

Park plays like she is loving it, too. With six goals and four assists, it is already her best ever WSL season in terms of goal contributions, and there are still six games to play. That is on top of three goals in other competitions, including the crucial equaliser in the League Cup quarter final win over Tottenham.

Position is Just Where You Start

The position Skinner has put Park in has helped to bring that form out of her. At City, she was deployed in a more orthodox central midfield role, but at United, she has most often started on the right and been allowed to float into whatever spaces appear. Asked what the message has been in that role, Park says, “Have freedom, find the ball, find the spaces, find the pockets.”

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Chelsea could swoop for Manchester City’s star striker Khadija Shaw this summer as the Jamaican international’s future remains in the air. The 29 year old is the top scorer in the Women’s Super League this campaign with 15 goals in 16 matches, but could leave the Cityzens in the coming months as her contract ticks down.

According to the Times’ Kit Shepard, Sonia Bompastor’s Chelsea could pry Bunny away from the Joie Stadium in the summer, with multiple sides interested in making a move should Manchester City fail to agree on new terms with Shaw. It is believed that the Blues are offering better terms than what her current side can deliver, which could be a decisive factor.

Chelsea Lack Attacking Output This Season

Chelsea have lacked in their attacking output this season, with star striker Sam Kerr misfiring in the league. With backup Catarina Macario expected to leave after reportedly rejecting a new contract at Kingsmeadow, space could be open for a new star forward to arrive.

Since arriving at City on a free transfer in 2021, Shaw has been electric with three WSL golden boots to her name. Across all competitions, she has scored 105 goals in 127 appearances, which is frankly remarkable consistency at the highest level.

City Poised to Win WSL This Campaign

The Cityzens look poised to win the WSL this campaign, finally rewarding the Jamaican’s years of efforts in sky blue with a richly deserved title. The championship is coming ever closer to being decided in their showdown with second placed and city rivals Manchester United at the end of the month.

Chelsea’s form this season might give Shaw some food for thought, with Arsenal in with a good chance of knocking the Blues back into fourth and denying them Champions League football next season. Failing to qualify for European football could certainly blow open the race for Shaw’s signature.

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Manchester City defender Alex Greenwood has pulled out of the England squad with a minor injury. The Lionesses confirmed the news via an official media update on Thursday ahead of their FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 qualifier against Iceland in Nottingham on Saturday.

The 32 year old missed England’s 6-1 victory over Ukraine in Antalya, Turkey, on Tuesday evening with a minor muscle injury. The player has been assessed in the lead up to Saturday’s game and has not been deemed fit to play. No further amendments will be made to the England squad ahead of the fixture.

Will Return to Club Ahead of Schedule

Greenwood will return to her club ahead of schedule to complete her recovery. The defender is not expected to be sidelined for a significant period of time and could be in a position to return to competitive action with Manchester City next weekend.

This is good news for both City and England, who cannot afford to lose one of their most experienced defenders for any length of time. Greenwood has been absolutely crucial for both club and country this season, and her absence will be felt against Iceland.

Second World Cup Qualifier for Lionesses

England’s fixture against Iceland is their second of FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 qualifying. It is important for the Lionesses to continue their winning start with games against world champions Spain on the horizon.

The fixture takes place at The City Ground, home of Nottingham Forest FC, and kicks off at 12:30 on Saturday lunchtime. The game has been declared a complete sell out, with fans getting behind England’s World Cup qualification push in their numbers.

Sarina Wiegman will need to find a replacement for Greenwood in her backline, with several options available, including Millie Bright and Leah Williamson, who both have experience playing in that position for the national team.

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