England goalkeeper Mary Earps has completed her transfer from Manchester United to Paris St-Germain, signing a two year contract with the French giants.
Following a five year stint and 125 appearances with the Red Devils, a statement from the Lioness star spoke of how one of the main reasons behind her switch was that the “club is about to undergo a period of transition” and that that reality doesn’t “feel it aligns with the timing” of where she currently is in her career.
“Therefore I think now is the right time to make a change and embark on a new challenge,” she added.
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It comes as Manchester United face continued criticism for the treatment of their women’s side, with Earps the latest to announce her departure alongside FA Cup final goalscorer Lucía García and captain Katie Zelem.
Earps was in fact offered a new contract at the WSL club, but turned it down, arriving at PSG on a free transfer.
It is reported in the Guardian however that the decision was in spite of the fact that the Man United offer would have been a “more lucrative” one for the 31 year old, further extenuating her clear desire for Champions League football and further trophy success.
“Joining Paris Saint-Germain is a fantastic opportunity. I’m very honoured to become a Parisian and I can’t wait to play alongside my new teammates,” Earps expands on the news.
“Together, we’re going to give our all to help the club shine and make our fans proud. I’m determined to contribute to our future success so that Paris Saint-Germain continues to rank among Europe’s top clubs.”
Official word of her departure was announced on Saturday, with Earps highlighting on social media that the decision was “not one [she had] made lightly.”
She then went on to express her “heartfelt gratitude” to Manchester United fans, looking back on her achievements, including an FA cup win this season.
“I'm proud to have played every league minute for the badge for the past five seasons, and even more proud for us as a team to have broken the record of the most clean sheets kept in a season in 2023,” she says.
“The icing on the cake was winning the FA Cup at Wembley, a trophy I've always dreamed of winning, with you all singing at the top of your voices. I could list so many more of my favourite memories, but these in particular I'll cherish.
"I have loved playing in front of you all, near and far but especially at Leigh Sports Village and Old Trafford.
"It doesn't feel real that I won't be playing in front of you all again next season, and I'm sad we're saying goodbye. But from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for your incredible support over the years; the ups and the downs, I'm grateful for it all."
The Nottingham-born woman has previously played for Wolfsburg, Birmingham, Doncaster and Reading, alongside her time at United, but is now ready for a new frontier.
At PSG, she joins big names such as Marie Antoinette Katoto, Grace Geyoro, Tabitha Chawinga and co, and will hope to challenge last year’s winners Lyon in the Première Ligue.
