Mary Earps transfer: Man Utd and England goalkeeper leaves club and set to join Paris Saint-Germain

England goalkeeper Mary Earps leaves Manchester United Women and is set to join PSG; the 31-year-old is the second significant departure in as many days after captain Katie Zelem’s exit was announced on Friday

Mary Earps has left Manchester United Women following the expiry of her contract and is set to join Paris Saint-Germain.

Earps spent the last five years with United but her current deal had been winding down as the summer approached.

United had been in talks with England’s No 1 for two years but were unable to reach an agreement with the goalkeeper.

A club statement said: “Everyone at Manchester United would like to thank Mary for her fine service and wish her the best of luck in the next stage of her career.”

Earps made 125 appearances for United and helped the club win the Women’s FA Cup last season, although their Women’s Super League campaign was a disappointing one, finishing fifth.

United turned down a world-record offer for a goalkeeper in women’s football when Arsenal came in for Earps last year.

The 31-year-old is the second significant departure in as many days after captain Katie Zelem’s exit was announced on Friday.

PSG had initially been interested in signing Earps during the winter window. The French side’s interest had been the strongest of the many clubs since she had become available to talk to other teams in January.

The signing represents the start of what promises to be a busy summer at PSG with Griege Mbock also expected to join from rivals Lyon.

Earps: The right time for a new challenge

Posting on social media, Earps explained her reasoning for leaving United and thanked those who supported her during her time at the club.

“After five years of service, I have decided that it’s time for a new challenge. It’s a decision I’ve gone backwards and forwards on for some time, and is not one I’ve made lightly,” she said.

“The club is about to undergo a period of transition, and unfortunately I don’t feel it aligns with the timing of where I’m at in my career, therefore I think now is the right time to make a change and embark on a new challenge.

“There aren’t the right words, or enough words, to express my heartfelt gratitude to you all, but I hope the below comes somewhere close.

“I’m proud to have played every league minute for the badge for the past five seasons, and even more proud for us as a team to have broken the record of the most clean sheets kept in a season in 2023.

“The icing on the cake was winning the FA Cup at Wembley, a trophy I’ve always dreamed of winning, with you all singing at the top of your voices. I could list so many more of my favourite memories, but these in particular I’ll cherish.

“I have loved playing in front of you all, near and far but especially at Leigh Sports Village and Old Trafford.

“It doesn’t feel real that I won’t be playing in front of you all again next season, and I’m sad we’re saying goodbye. But from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for your incredible support over the years; the ups and the downs, I’m grateful for it all.”

When does the summer transfer window open and close?

The 2024 summer transfer window in the Premier League and Scottish Premiership is officially open.

The window will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time in England and at 11.30pm in Scotland.

The Premier League and Scottish Premiership brought forward Deadline Day to link up with the other major leagues in Europe. The closing dates were set following discussions with the leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.