Why Man City would be foolish to let Shaw leave

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Khadija Shaw was named the FWA Player of the Season on Friday

Her two goals against Chelsea - a stoppage-time equaliser in normal time before a 103rd-minute winner - secured City's place in the Women's FA Cup final.

City were 2-0 down in the 86th minute at Stamford Bridge and Shaw had missed earlier chances but when her side needed her to step up, she did.

The Jamaica international has been at the centre of speculation this week regarding her future after contract renewal negotiations at City broke down.

As it stands, she is set to leave this summer unless they can reach an unlikely agreement - and Sunday's opponents Chelsea are circling for her signature.

It was fitting, therefore, that Shaw stole the show here and offered the perfect showcase of her world-class talents.

Chelsea favourites to sign Shaw as Man City exit nears

Published3 days ago'Shaw, we'll see you next season'Hours after City were crowned WSL champions, ending a six-year dominance by Chelsea, news broke of Shaw's imminent exit and a breakdown in negotiations.

All eyes were on her as she ran out at Stamford Bridge to warm up next to City's supporters and she applauded them enthusiastically.

It did not go to plan initially on the pitch as Chelsea's dominant start gave them a deserved lead and chances came Shaw's way, which she squandered.

Just before half-time, fear struck over a potential injury as she received treatment for several minutes after a heavy knock.

As she trudged over to the touchline, Chelsea supporters chanted: "Bunny Shaw, we'll see you next season."

But those same supporters were silenced when Shaw's strike flew past goalkeeper Hannah Hampton in the 92nd minute, moments after team-mate Mary Fowler had made it 2-1, and she ran to the corner, knee-sliding and roaring in celebration.

City fans showed their adoration in abundance and Shaw's team-mates urged her to lap up the attention at the end of extra time after her header ensured a 3-2 victory.

It was the perfect snapshot of what Shaw is capable of - even when not at her best, she still scored twice and stepped up in the biggest moments.

"That is what we need a forward to do, to create chances, maybe miss one but move on and continue," said manager Andree Jeglertz.

"Bunny has scored so many goals for this club in so many years and this season also. She has shown she is a great player but also a great team-mate."

Brighton reach Women's FA Cup final as Liverpool falter

Unmasking the coach who led Man City to WSL title glory

Published3 days agoAn audition for Chelsea and anxiety for Man CityWhile City fans were clearly delighted with the victory - and Shaw's significant part in it - it would have been tinged with anxiety over her future.

Her performance was a showcase of what Chelsea could get if they manage to win the battle to sign her - and of what City stand to lose if they allow her to leave.

She is set to secure a third successive WSL Golden Boot after scoring 19 goals in 21 appearances and she will be City's top scorer for a fourth year in a row.

The 29-year-old is also just one goal away from becoming the first player in WSL history to score 20 or more goals in three different seasons.

On Friday, she was crowned the Football Writers' Association Women's Footballer of the Year.

Would it be a catastrophe if she left City, given they have spent 10 years building a squad capable of winning the WSL and now hope to go on to dominate?

"I wouldn't say the word catastrophic - I always said she is an amazing player for us," said Jeglertz. "She has been very good this year and has scored a lot of goals and has impact.

"Where we are in July, I don't know. It is not up to me. I'm pretty sure that no matter what players are in my squad in July, the club will definitely give me possibilities to win a title next season. Who that is, we'll see later on.

"Of course, I want her in my team but it's not in my hands."

Former Chelsea midfielder Karen Carney still believes Shaw will be at City next season but wherever she is, she will make a difference.

"She changes [the game]. Who else is out there that can guarantee you this?" said Carney.

"Shaw's the difference-maker. Manchester City were out of it and she had missed a few chances but bang! Goal! They were back in the game."

Get the latest WSL news on our dedicated page

Rashford scores as Barcelona beat Real to seal title

Biggest VAR call ever? Four chaotic minutes that may define the season

Arsenal the champions in waiting but doing it the hard way

Watch the new drama from the creator of Baby Reindeer

The show that launched Sir David Attenborough's career

Catch up on all episodes ahead of the new series

The Ipswich Town player who made it into a 1981 Hollywood film

Biggest VAR call ever? Four chaotic minutes that may define the season

Arsenal edge closer to title after late West Ham drama. VideoArsenal edge closer to title after late West Ham drama

Celtic eye own fairytale as Hearts' story continues to captivate

Defiant Dubois sheds quitter tag to write new narrative

England edge past New Zealand in nervy one-wicket finish VideoEngland edge past New Zealand in nervy one-wicket finish

The reasons West Ham face relegation - and why they are unlucky

How could extreme weather affect World Cup 2026?

'The goals are coming' - is Doku keeping Man City in title race?

Four-try Packer 'doesn't go away' as England set up Grand Slam decider

Fans 'losing patience' with Slot as Liverpool 'lack identity' - Rooney. VideoFans 'losing patience' with Slot as Liverpool 'lack identity' - Rooney

Perry & Buble among performers at three World Cup opening ceremonies

How Southampton allegedly spied on Middlesbrough

Players on the beach? Why lack of motivation is difficult to deal with

Mashed potato & 19 minutes' sleep - Entrekin's epic race

Is 15-year-old IPL wonderkid ready to play for India?

From ego-ridden team to complete package - why PSG pose ultimate test

Inside Man City's WSL title-winning season

The family sacrifices that helped Wu become world champion

Is Saudi Arabia's sports revolution unravelling?