Khadija Shaw signs new Manchester City deal through 2030

Reggae Girlz skipper Khadija “Bunny” Shaw has put pen to paper on a fresh four-year agreement with Manchester City, keeping her in England’s Women’s Super League until 2030.

The deal, completed on Monday, marks a major shift after Shaw and City appeared to be moving towards parting ways. Contract discussions had stalled in March, opening the door for several elite clubs to consider a move for the Jamaican forward.

Chelsea, multiple-time WSL champions, were said to be close to landing Shaw on a free transfer and were reportedly prepared to offer her £1 million per year, about $211 million, a package that would have placed her among the best-paid women footballers in the game. FC Barcelona, the Spanish and European powerhouse, were also interested.

Uncertainty over Shaw’s future grew recently when she told Sky Sports she was not sure whether she would be back at City. But the WSL and Football Writers Association Player of the Year has now made clear that Manchester remains where she wants to be.

“I’m so happy to be at this incredible club for another four years,” Shaw said. “I’ve always said that Manchester City feels like home. I’ve developed so much as a player and grown so much as a person during my first five years here”.

She also reflected on City’s recent success and thanked supporters for standing with the team.

“Helping the girls win the WSL title is one of the proudest moments of my career, and I’m so excited to see what we can do next season and beyond. To the City fans – thank you for always supporting us all. I’m so happy to be on this memorable journey with you all and can’t wait to see what we can achieve in the future,” she added.

Manchester City Director of Football Therese Sjogran said retaining Shaw was a key piece of business for the club, pointing to both her production and her influence in the squad.

“The stats and awards speak for themselves, but there’s so much more to Bunny than what she does on the pitch. She has become a real leader in the team, and I’m sure she’ll be a driving force on our return to UEFA Champions League football next season and our push to retain the WSL title,” said Sjogran.

“It’s a huge statement from City that we’ve secured the services of one of the best centre-forwards in the world, but also from Bunny that she believes we’re the best place for her to succeed. I’d like to thank her for that continued faith in what we’re hoping to achieve.”

Shaw, 29, claimed a third straight WSL Golden Boot after netting 21 times in 22 matches. Since arriving from Bordeaux in 2021, she has scored 117 goals in 137 games and is the only Manchester City player to pass 100 goals across all competitions.

She could add another medal this Sunday when City face Brighton in the FA Cup final.