Manchester United striker Nikita Parris turned down a lucrative move to the United States last month, prioritizing his side’s bid to win the FA Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
Despite her contract expiring this summer, Parris was the subject of an unprecedented lawsuit from North Carolina Courage of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
A deal had been agreed between the clubs before the April 19 transfer deadline which would have marked a record sale of women for United, while the 30-year-old striker hoped to earn £1 million on a three-year deal years.
All that remained was to sign the documents – but with the season underway, the Courage wanted Parris to join them immediately.
United beat Chelsea in the semi-final on April 15 and Parris made it clear she only wanted to leave after the Wembley showpiece.
The Courage couldn’t guarantee they would wait that long and – given Parris refused to miss the game – the change fell apart.
Since then, they have lost three of four matches, having won three of four previously. It is unclear at this time whether the situation will be reviewed when the NWSL market reopens on August 1.
United must now make a decision on the England international’s future as his terms include a 12-month extension option.
Parris has scored 16 goals in 28 appearances during the 2023-24 campaign, taking his tally to 25 goals in 55 matches since arriving from Arsenal in August 2022.
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My game in my words. By Nikita Parris
(Photo: Charlotte Tattersall – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)