Sources: Shaws City…

Manchester City has made an unexpected turnaround by offering WSL Golden Boot winner Khadija “Bunny” Shaw one of the largest salaries in the world, sources suggest, just weeks after rumors of her potential free transfer surfaced.

The two parties finalized a new four-year contract a mere 24 hours prior to Shaw’s announcement during the club’s title celebration—held alongside the men’s cup triumphs—that she would remain at City.

“I am still here, I am still hungry, and there is no other place I would rather be,” Shaw declared. “I am thrilled to announce I will be staying at the football club,” she confirmed on Monday.

Shaw’s preference had always been to stay at City, and she was close to signing a new deal back in March. However, talks stalled when an initial low offer fell short against competitive bids from other clubs worldwide.

Chelsea emerged as a likely destination, reportedly tabling a £1 million annual salary alongside an extended contract length.

Despite City’s recent WSL title victory—thanks in part to Shaw’s 21 goals—it appeared Shaw might leave the club for free as City struggled to present a competitive offer. Reports indicated that Manchester City began exploring alternative options after negotiations stalled.

However, following their league triumph, City did a complete about-face, partly in response to backlash from the women’s football community regarding Shaw’s anticipated departure. This prompted the club to revise their wage structure to align with Chelsea’s terms—something they had previously hesitated to do.

Both external and internal pressures contributed, and City met with Shaw directly—previously she had been negotiating through agents—to finalize a new long-term agreement that positioned her among the highest earners in the sport.

Sources have indicated that Trinity Rodman’s annual salary of over $2 million (£1.5 million), including bonuses, is currently considered the highest globally. However, Shaw’s new offer is said to exceed Catarina Macario’s $8 million cumulative salary over five years in San Diego. Another source claims that Aitana Bonmatí is the top earner, though this has not been independently verified.

Regardless, sources report that City decided to significantly increase their initial offer, recognizing that Shaw is not only one of the top players but also one of the most effective and consistent strikers in the game, having secured her third consecutive Golden Boot this season. With 117 goals and 28 assists in just 137 appearances for City, her impact is undeniable.

Sources conveyed that Shaw remained loyal to City, reluctant to leave the club where she has flourished in Manchester for the past five years.

City’s director of football, Therese Sjogran, remarked, “The statistics and accolades speak for themselves, but Bunny’s significance extends beyond the field. She has emerged as a true leader within the squad, and I believe she will be a crucial asset as we return to Champions League football and strive to defend our WSL title.”

“This is a decisive move for both City, in securing the talents of one of the world’s premier centre-forwards, and for Bunny, demonstrating her confidence in our ambitions moving forward. I want to express my gratitude for her continued trust in our vision.”