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The striker was expected to leave Manchester City when his contract expired when Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw asked about his future.
After months of cordial talks over a potential new deal, Shaw is understood to want to explore her other options despite winning the Women’s Super League with City on Wednesday evening.
The 29-year-old striker has scored a remarkable 110 goals in 133 appearances for City since joining from Bordeaux in 2021 and Shaw is believed to have interest from Chelsea, among other clubs including the USA.
However, the City forward, after being named Player of the Year at the Women’s Football Awards, was non-committal about what her future holds.
“For me, my focus is always on winning the league,” he said. “Coming off a strong season with City. I was there for five years. Every time I go on the pitch, I try to give my best.
“We have another game against Chelsea. See you at the end of the season.”
Shaw is set to win the WSL Golden Boot for the third consecutive season with 19 goals in 21 games. In March, he set a new record by scoring the fastest hat-trick in the competition’s history, clocking 12 minutes 37 seconds from his first goal to his third.
Shaw won the Women’s League Cup with Man City in 2021 and was named WSL Player of the Season for 2023/24 when she scored 21 goals in 18 games.
The Jamaica international could complete a domestic double this season with City facing Chelsea in the semi-finals of the Women’s FA Cup on Sunday.
Man City can’t beat Shaw – especially not against Chelsea
Shaw is in for his third WSL Golden Boot
Analysis by Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter:
Bunny Shaw’s future was as much a prize as Andrey Zeglertz wanted the Women’s Super League title. That’s how important he is to the current champions. They wouldn’t have been top without him, directly responsible for 10 points during another excellent campaign.
The suggestion is that City have negotiated hard to keep hold of their greatest talent, arguably the game’s most respected striker, but haven’t been able to assess rivals. Why should it be investigated immediately? Why was Manchester City not ready to give what Chelsea or others have?
Losing Shaq is a big blow. Losing him to a direct WSL rival would be a disaster. This is his profile, he cannot be replaced with one or even two players. Not to mention the unimaginable fact that he will leave for free.
What is perhaps more worrying, though, is the move for a club intent on making their first title for a decade. Obviously clubs have to work within a financial framework, budgets are not infinite, but surely there is flex for the best No.9?
Such a decision can prove a costly mistake. Chelsea won’t take kindly to losing their title to City but it will be seen as a consolation win if they manage to land Shaw’s signature. You can imagine the scenes: ‘Lauren finds James Shaw again when she reaches double figures by Christmas.’ That could be enough to irrevocably tip the scales for Chelsea as City try to balance European competition next year with their WSL defence.
Way to dampen before the title party really gets going.
