In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the Women's Super League (WSL), Manchester United is reportedly making a bold attempt to sign England midfielder Jess Park from their cross-town rivals, Manchester City. With the transfer window set to slam shut on Thursday, the Red Devils are pulling out all the stops to secure the coveted signature of the talented Lioness.
Jess Park, a product of Manchester City's youth academy, has been with the club for eight years. Her journey with City began in 2017, when she made her debut as a 16-year-old, showcasing immense potential and quickly establishing herself as a rising star in the women's game. She was part of the Lionesses squad that lifted the Euro 2025 title in Switzerland this summer and has been a key player for her club for several seasons. Park was part of the side that won the FA Cup in 2020 and played in 21 of her club’s 22 league games last term as they finished fourth.
The 23-year-old Park has also made a name for herself on the international stage, earning 20 caps for England and scoring three goals, including a memorable winner against Spain in a Nations League match at Wembley in February.
As the WSL transfer window enters its final hours, a flurry of activity is anticipated, with clubs scrambling to finalize deals and bolster their squads for the upcoming season. Among the potential moves, London City Lionesses are reportedly on the verge of securing the services of Spain youth international Lucía Corrales from Barcelona. The deal is expected to cost around €500,000 (£435,000). Should the transfer materialize, Corrales would become the fourth-most expensive signing in WSL history, and a record sale for a Spanish player.
Corrales, a promising 19-year-old who spent last season on loan at Sevilla, rose to prominence after scoring the decisive goal in the semi-final of the 2022 Under-17 World Cup against Germany, paving the way for Spain's ultimate triumph in the final. Notably, she was among the pioneering female footballers to reside at Barcelona's esteemed La Masia training base. The Spanish club has since confirmed that Corrales's buyout clause has been met by an unnamed club.
Elsewhere, Leicester City is keen to add midfielder Emily van Egmond from Birmingham to their ranks. While Leicester is currently without a permanent manager, sources indicate that former West Ham assistant coach Rick Passmoor will take interim charge of the team.
In other transfer news, Leicester City has parted ways with England midfielder Ruby Mace, who has joined Everton for an undisclosed fee. Mace, who had one year remaining on her contract, expressed her desire to leave the club. She took to Instagram to convey her gratitude to Leicester.
Meanwhile, United States winger Alyssa Thompson has reportedly bid farewell to her Angel City teammates, signaling her determination to join Chelsea before the transfer deadline. However, negotiations between the clubs are ongoing, with Angel City and the NWSL believed to be reluctant to let go of such a key player.
The potential acquisition of Jess Park would undoubtedly be a significant coup for Manchester United, adding a dynamic and creative presence to their midfield. Her versatility, technical ability, and international experience would make her a valuable asset as they strive to compete for silverware on all fronts.
