Manchester United and Manchester City Women Swap Star Midfielders
Big news for Women’s Super League (WSL) fans—England internationals Jess Park and Grace Clinton are about to swap clubs. Manchester City and Manchester United have agreed on a trade, sending the midfielders in opposite directions with separate transfer fees attached.
Both clubs look set to gain from this strategic move. Let’s dig into the details on the transfer, the players’ backgrounds, and what this all might mean for their new teams.
Jess Park’s Journey to Manchester United
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Jess Park, 23, has been a key piece of Manchester City’s squad since she broke into the first team in 2017. She came up through York City’s academy and quickly made her mark with some eye-catching WSL performances.
Last season, Park played in 21 matches and scored five goals. She played a big role in City’s FA Cup win in 2020 and their League Cup victories in 2019 and 2022.
Park’s International Experience
Park featured in England’s European Championship-winning squad in the summer of 2025. She’s regularly battled for the No 10 spot at the international level.
Her knack for stepping up in high-pressure games—like England’s 1-0 victory over Spain in February—shows what she can do. Park has agreed to personal terms and already passed her medical at Manchester United, though her contract isn’t signed just yet.
What Park Brings to Manchester United
Manchester United must be thrilled to land Jess Park. She’s hungry for more minutes and brings a skillset that fits right in.
Park is a no-nonsense midfielder—full of energy, always looking to wriggle out of tight spots, and not afraid to drive at defenders. She’s got a real nose for goal and some Champions League experience under her belt.
- Energy and Drive: Park adds a spark to the midfield, always looking to push forward and create something out of nothing.
- Versatility: She can operate wide right or tuck inside, giving United more options tactically.
- Goal-Scoring Ability: Park has shown she can score, adding another threat to United’s attack.
Grace Clinton’s Move to Manchester City
Grace Clinton, 22, joined Manchester United from Everton back in 2022. Last season, she made 21 WSL appearances and scored eight goals.
Clinton’s versatility lets her play as a hybrid No 8/No 10, which should suit Manchester City’s style nicely.
Clinton’s Career Highlights
Clinton was also part of England’s European Championship-winning squad. She’s proven herself on the international stage.
A minor injury kept her out of United’s Champions League qualifiers against PSV and Hammarby in August, but she’s remained a key figure for her club.
What Clinton Brings to Manchester City
Manchester City will get a lot out of Clinton’s ability to link play and threaten goal. She’s got a graceful touch on the ball and can slot in at multiple spots in midfield.
Clinton will mostly compete with new signing Sydney Lohmann for a starting role.
- Playmaking Ability: Clinton is sharp at connecting play and setting up chances for her teammates.
- Versatility: She can shift between a No 8 and No 10, giving City extra tactical options.
- Goal-Scoring Threat: Clinton’s knack for scoring adds another weapon to City’s midfield.
Strategic Implications for Both Clubs
This transfer just makes sense for everyone. Both Park and Clinton were heading into the final months of their contracts, so they’d have been free agents soon.
By agreeing to this swap now, both clubs avoid losing their players for nothing. United, especially, won’t want a repeat of losing stars like Alessia Russo and Mary Earps for free.
Financial Aspects
Manchester City will reportedly pay more for Clinton than United will for Park, which means United come out ahead financially. That extra cash could help United strengthen their squad even more.
Fan Perspectives
Fans will find this transfer fascinating since it’s not every day rivals swap players. Clinton’s move from a Champions League team to one that isn’t adds an extra twist.
Both clubs are picking up talented England internationals who know the WSL well and should make an immediate impression.
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Future Prospects
Looking ahead, both Jess Park and Grace Clinton have plenty of potential at their new clubs. Park will compete for the No 10 spot at United, likely going up against Ella Toone, and she’ll also add depth alongside players like Julia Zigiotti Olme and Simi Awujo.
Clinton, meanwhile, will fight for a starting place at City and look to make her mark in the WSL and beyond.
Park’s Potential Impact at United
Park’s ability to play multiple midfield roles—even out wide—gives United more tactical flexibility. Her experience and skill set could prove invaluable as United chase success in England and Europe.
Clinton’s Role at City
Clinton brings sharp playmaking and a real goal-scoring threat to City. Her ability to slot into different roles means City can tweak their tactics depending on who they’re up against.
She’s shaping up to be a key piece in City’s plans for the future. Honestly, it’s hard not to get a little excited about what she might pull off in midfield.
For more details about the transfer, you can read the full article on the New York Times.