The protracted contract saga involving Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw ended in spectacular fashion during Manchester City’s Women’s Super League title parade, as the Jamaican striker confirmed she had signed a new four-year deal that makes her the highest-paid player in women’s football history. Shaw, who had been on the verge of leaving as a free agent, announced to jubilant supporters: 'I'm still here, I'm still hungry and there's no place I'd rather be. After months of waiting, I'm happy to announce that I'm staying at the football club.' The deal, worth more than £1.2 million per season, eclipses the previous benchmark set by Catarina Macario’s $8 million package at San Diego Wave, and is understood to have seen City not only match but exceed a similarly lavish offer from WSL rivals Chelsea.
Shaw’s decision to remain in Manchester is a massive boost for a side that has just reclaimed the domestic crown after watching Chelsea dominate for multiple campaigns. The 29-year-old has been the division’s undisputed attacking force, winning the Golden Boot in each of the last three seasons. Her 21 goals in 22 appearances during the 2025/26 campaign were instrumental in delivering City’s first league title since 2016, with an in-depth analysis by Sky Sports calculating that her contributions were directly responsible for 10 points—the margin that ultimately separated the champions from the chasing pack. Beyond the numbers, Shaw has evolved into a talismanic leader, marrying her predatory instincts in the box with an ability to elevate those around her.
Manchester City director of football Therese Sjogran was unequivocal in her delight: 'We're delighted that Bunny has agreed to another four years at Manchester City. We've had a tremendous 2025/26 campaign and she's been a key figure in that success. I'm sure if we also get the result we're hoping for in the FA Cup final on Sunday, she'll have played a huge role in that as well. The stats and awards speak for themselves but there's so much more to Bunny than what she does on the pitch. She has become a real leader in the team and I'm sure she'll be a driving force on our return to Champions League football next season and our push to retain the WSL title.' Sjogran framed the agreement as a mutual statement of ambition, adding: 'It's a huge statement from City that we've secured the services of one of the best centre-forwards in the world, but also from Bunny that she believes we're the best place for her to succeed.'
The contract negotiations were far from straightforward. With her existing deal expiring, Shaw had attracted serious interest from Chelsea, who tabled an offer designed to lure the WSL’s most prolific scorer to the capital. Reports indicate that Chelsea’s proposal exceeded £1.2 million per season, putting City under immense pressure to respond. Losing their star forward to a direct competitor would have been a devastating blow, especially given the context of a title race that they had only just edged. Instead, the Manchester club’s hierarchy demonstrated financial muscle and strategic resolve, restructuring their wage offer to make Shaw the face of the franchise and a symbol of their intent to dominate both domestically and in Europe.
From a tactical standpoint, retaining Shaw was non-negotiable. As Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter noted, the striker is effectively irreplaceable. 'They would not have finished top without her,' Hunter wrote, emphasizing that even two elite signings would struggle to replicate her output and influence. Her hold-up play, aerial dominance, and clinical finishing make her a unique asset in the modern women’s game, and her chemistry with City’s creative midfielders has been a cornerstone of their attacking identity. Losing Shaw would have forced a fundamental rebuild of the forward line at a time when the club is preparing for a Champions League return—a stage where her experience and physicality will be vital.
The ripple effects of this deal extend far beyond the Etihad Campus. By resetting the salary ceiling in women’s football, Shaw’s contract is likely to trigger a round of pay inflation across the WSL and other top leagues. Catarina Macario’s $1.18 million annual deal in the NWSL had been the gold standard; Shaw’s new terms firmly plant the flag in Manchester. This development could accelerate the professionalization of the women’s game, encouraging other clubs to invest more aggressively in keeping elite talent. For the WSL specifically, it reinforces the league’s growing reputation as a destination where world-class players can earn life-changing money, much like their male counterparts.
For Manchester City, the message is clear: the title win was not a one-off. With Shaw locked in for her prime years, the club can build a dynasty around a proven goalscorer who is firmly embedded in the city and the fanbase. The emotional connection Shaw referenced in her announcement—labeling Manchester 'home'—should not be underestimated; it speaks to a deeper commitment that money alone cannot buy. Her presence will be a rallying point for the squad as they prepare to defend the WSL trophy and navigate a Champions League campaign that will test their depth and resilience.
As the confetti settled on City’s parade, Shaw’s new contract stood as both a celebration of a historic season and a declaration of intent for the future. The Jamaican’s journey from relative obscurity to the pinnacle of the women’s game is a testament to her relentless work ethic, and now she has the platform to cement her legacy as one of the all-time greats. With the FA Cup final against Chelsea still to come, there is the tantalizing prospect of a domestic double to cap a transformative year. And if Shaw maintains her prolific form, the record books may need constant updating.
Based on reporting from Sky Sports.