After a dramatic U-turn from star striker Khadija Shaw and a long-awaited league title, Manchester City Women are now targeting a historic double. A victory against Brighton in the Women's FA Cup final on Sunday would make it a perfect month for the club, who are hungry for more success.
Shaw's Last-Minute Contract Extension
Khadija Shaw's contract was extended at the 11th hour after Manchester City realized they could not afford to lose her to rivals Chelsea. The Jamaica striker, who scored 21 goals in 22 league games this season, had indicated her intention to leave as other clubs offered more lucrative deals and negotiations with City had stalled. However, senior management from the men's side intervened to meet Shaw's demands, leading to a remarkable change of heart. She made her decision public during the trophy parade in Manchester, signaling the club's commitment to building a winning team.
Chasing the Double
City face Brighton at Wembley on Sunday, aiming for their first league and FA Cup double and their first two-trophy season since 2019. It would also be their first FA Cup success in six years and the first in front of fans since 2020, when their extra-time victory over Everton was played behind closed doors. Brighton, however, beat City in the league in April and have been in excellent form since mid-March, ensuring a tough challenge.
Midfielder Laura Blindkilde Brown highlighted the team's hunger: "Because we've won silverware, there's more hunger there to win even more. We were in the Champions League two years ago and did well, and now it's about pushing on there as well." The 22-year-old has been an unsung hero this season, starting 18 of 22 WSL games and controlling play from holding midfield.
Building a Winning Core
City's success this season has been built on strong recruitment and cohesion under head coach Andrée Jeglertz. Four City players made the WSL team of the year: Shaw, Yui Hasegawa, Vivianne Miedema, and right-back Kerstin Casparij, who topped the league assist charts. Casparij said, "All the puzzle pieces fitted together this year. To win a double after so many years would be absolutely incredible."
The team is balancing celebration with preparation for the final. Blindkilde Brown added, "We're trying to separate both – celebrate first and then focus on Wembley." With Shaw's contract secured and a core of talented players, City look poised for sustained success.
