Why Man City would be reckless to let Shaw leave in 2026

Manchester City must not let Khadija Shaw leave in the summer, as she proved her worth with two crucial goals against Chelsea.

Shaw's 12-minute showstopper seals City's FA Cup final spot Khadija Shaw needed just 12 minutes to prove why Manchester City must not let her leave in the summer. Her two goals against Chelsea 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. ## Chelsea favourites to sign Shaw as Man City exit nears Chelsea are circling for Shaw's signature, as she is set to leave Manchester City in the summer unless they can reach an unlikely agreement. 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. ## Shaw's goals silence Chelsea fans and prove her worth 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 show adoration for Shaw's heroics 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. ## Shaw's performance a showcase of her world-class talents 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? ## Jeglertz on Shaw's future: 'it's not up to me' '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.' ## Carney believes Shaw will make a difference wherever she goes '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.'