Manchester United’s England international goalkeeper Mary Earps is on the brink of a Women’s Super League return after her departure from Paris Saint-Germain was finalised, multiple sources confirmed late on Tuesday. The 31-year-old shot-stopper’s contract with the Ligue 1 side will not be renewed, ending a six-month stint in France that saw her make 14 appearances across all competitions for PSG.
With her PSG exit now confirmed, Earps is expected to finalise a move back to England within days, with Manchester United widely tipped as her destination. Talks have been ongoing for weeks, and a formal announcement could come as early as this week, according to insiders familiar with the negotiations.
Earps, who originally joined PSG from Bayern Munich in January 2024, leaves the French capital after failing to secure a long-term role under manager Hervé Renard. Her time at PSG was marked by strong performances, including a clean sheet in her final appearance—a 2-0 victory over Dijon in April—but ultimately fell short of securing a permanent first-team berth.
Key Points
- ✅ Earps’ PSG contract will not be renewed
- ⚡ Manchester United tipped as likely destination
- 💡 Potential return announcement expected this week
The England No. 1, who won the 2022-23 Women’s Champions League with Barcelona before joining PSG, remains a pivotal figure for both club and country. Her return to the WSL would strengthen Manchester United’s defensive options ahead of next season, where they finished eighth in the league last term.
| Club | 2023-24 Record | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Paris Saint-Germain | 14 apps, 8 clean sheets | Contract not renewed |
| Manchester United | 22 apps, 5 clean sheets | Goalkeeping depth needed |
Sources indicate Earps’ preference for a return to domestic football stems from her desire to remain within England’s top flight, where she has established herself as one of the country’s most reliable goalkeepers. Her partnership with Manchester United’s defensive unit could provide the stability required to push for a top-six finish next season.
💡 Pro Tip
Goalkeepers looking to transition between leagues should prioritise playing time over short-term financial gains—earning minutes in a competitive environment often outweighs temporary boosts in salary.
Earps’ potential return comes amid a busy transfer window for Manchester United, who have also been linked with several high-profile defensive signings. Her experience and leadership could prove decisive in a squad still rebuilding after a transitional period under manager Marc Skinner.
📋 By The Numbers
- 6 months — Earps’ tenure at PSG
- 31 years old — Age at time of potential return
- 2 major trophies — Champions League (2023) and Women’s FA Cup (2019)
The move would reunite Earps with Manchester United, where she made 90 appearances across three seasons before departing for Bayern Munich in 2022. Her return would signal a full-circle moment, bringing her back to the club where she began her senior career. A formal agreement is expected to be announced before the start of pre-season training later this month.
- Contract Finalisation — Earps’ PSG contract officially expires at the end of June
- Negotiations — Manchester United and Earps’ representatives have held extensive talks
- Announcement — A press release is expected within 48 hours
Meanwhile, PSG will begin their search for a replacement goalkeeper, with reports suggesting they are eyeing a young French prospect to develop. Earps’ departure marks the end of an era for the club’s Women’s team, which has struggled to retain star players in recent years.
- 📊 PSG’s Women’s team has seen a 30% turnover in key players over the past two seasons
- 🔍 Earps’ return could shift Manchester United’s defensive strategy for 2024-25
- ⚠️ PSG’s next goalkeeper signing may face steep expectations early
For Manchester United, Earps’ arrival would be a statement of intent ahead of a season where they aim to close the gap on the WSL’s top four. Her leadership and experience at the highest level could prove the difference in tight contests.