Mary Earps is on the verge of a dramatic return to England’s Women’s Super League, with ambitious London City Lionesses emerging as the frontrunners for her signature. The 33-year-old goalkeeper appears set to depart Paris Saint-Germain when her contract expires in June, ending a brief but eventful spell in France.
Earps joined PSG in July 2024 from Manchester United, where she had established herself as one of the world’s elite goalkeepers. During her time with the French giants, she featured in 22 league matches, recording 12 clean sheets as the team finished third in the Premiere Ligue, some distance behind dominant champions Lyon. Last Saturday, she was an unused substitute in PSG’s 1-0 play-off semi-final defeat to Paris FC, a result that underlined a disappointing end to the campaign.
Her potential return to England carries enormous weight, given her status as a two-time FIFA Best Goalkeeper and a pivotal figure in the Lionesses’ historic Euro 2022 triumph and run to the 2023 World Cup final. Earps made over 100 appearances for Manchester United, helping the club lift its first major women’s trophy—the 2024 FA Cup—before seeking a new challenge across the Channel. She has since featured 54 times for PSG, including an emotional return to Old Trafford in the Champions League group stage.
London City Lionesses, under the ownership of American businesswoman Michele Kang, are eager to build on a solid sixth-place finish in their maiden WSL campaign. The club enjoyed eight wins from 22 matches, but the hierarchy is aiming higher. Sources close to the club indicate that while no agreement with Earps has been finalized, there is growing optimism that a deal can be struck. Her arrival would signal the Lions’ intent to challenge the established top four.
Earps is just one of several high-profile names who could be on the move without a transfer fee this summer. London City have also been credited with interest in Barcelona defender Mapi León and Arsenal winger Beth Mead. Mead confirmed her departure from Arsenal this week, with Manchester City also monitoring her situation. Meanwhile, Katie McCabe is set to leave the Gunners, while Chelsea’s Sam Kerr is departing and Manchester City top scorer Khadija Shaw has rejected a new contract offer. Over in Spain, Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas has yet to sign fresh terms with Barcelona.
This confluence of marquee free agents could trigger one of the most transformative summers in WSL history. For clubs like London City, the opportunity to land a player of Earps’ caliber—both on the pitch and as a commercial asset—is rare. Her profile has soared in recent years, albeit not without controversy. Her autobiography, released in November, generated headlines and debate within the game, but her on-field consistency remains unquestionable.
Michele Kang’s long-term vision involves establishing London City as a force both domestically and in Europe. Adding a world-class goalkeeper would provide defensive stability and leadership, elements that Eder Maestre’s side sometimes lacked during their debut top-flight season. With Earps behind a reinforced backline—potentially featuring someone like Mapi León—the Lions could dramatically reduce the goals conceded column and push for a top-four finish.
From a league-wide perspective, the availability of so many top players without transfer fees could level the playing field. Clubs that move decisively may close the gap on perennial title contenders Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City, who are themselves facing significant squad overhauls. A more competitive WSL would be a major boost for the domestic game, attracting greater global attention and investment.
For Earps personally, a return to England would also rekindle her connection with fans who revered her during her time at United. While international retirement has taken her out of the Lionesses setup, her club performances continue to draw scrutiny. A successful second stint in the WSL could cement her legacy as one of the greatest goalkeepers the league has seen.
As the summer transfer window approaches, the dominoes are poised to fall. Earps’ anticipated move to London City would likely be the first major deal confirmed, setting the tone for a frantic period of rebuilding across the division. Based on reporting from BBC Sport.