Mary Earps makes Man Utd decision and becomes ‘highest-paid’ in the world

Robin Bairner

• 29 Jun 2024 14:30 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United have confirmed that iconic goalkeeper Mary Earps has left the club, with the expectation that she will hook up with PSG.

The 31-year-old 50-cap England international shot to fame in 2023 as she helped the Lionesses to the Women’s World Cup final, in which they were defeated by Spain.

Off the back of her stellar performances, she claimed the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award and in doing so became the second female footballer to pick up the trophy after Beth Mead a year earlier.

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Earps spent five years with Manchester United Women, playing every single Women’s Super League match for the club over the course of the last four years.

Her time with Man Utd has come to an end, however, with the club announcing via their official channels that she will leave on a free transfer.

“Manchester United Women can confirm that goalkeeper Mary Earps will depart the football club, following the conclusion of her contract,” the official site confirms.

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’Highest-paid’ in the world

Ben Jacobs reports that PSG have agreed a two-year deal with Earps to take her to France.

“Mary Earps has agreed a two-year contract with PSG. Her move to Paris is set to be made official soon. She'll become the highest-paid women's keeper in the world,” he claims.

“Man Utd made a competitive offer, but Earps has informed them she won't sign a new deal and will leave on a free.”

There is no indication of what type of salary she will earn at Parc des Princes.

She becomes the third major player to depart Manchester United Women this summer following the release of captain Katie Zelem and the decision of forward Lucia Garcia to move to Monterrey in Mexico.

Earps’ departure comes against a backdrop of concern at just how seriously Man Utd’s new minority owners Ineos will take the Women’s team.

She admitted: "The club is about to undergo a period of transition, and unfortunately I don't feel it aligns with the timing of where l'm at in my career. Therefore I think now is the right time to make a change and embark on a new challenge."

The Guardian reports that Man Utd Women are set to be moved out of their changing facilities to temporary buildings, with the Men’s team taking these over while Carrington is refurbished.