WSL runners-up Manchester United tried to convince the 24-year-old to dedicate her future to the club. Reuters/Ed Skyes
English striker Alessia Russo will leave Manchester United this summer after turning down multiple offers for a new deal from the Women's Super League.
The 24-year-old's future at the club was in doubt throughout the 2022–23 season as she was in the last year of her contract after starring for the Lionesses at last summer's Euros and Manchester United rejected a record transfer fee from Arsenal to the last day at the end of the season. January transfer window, but now she's going for free.
It is understood that Manchester United made Russo an offer that would have made her the highest paid player in their women's team's history, but sources close to the England international believe it came too late in the season and they now believe her. negotiate with Arsenal and several American NWSL clubs.
She scored 10 goals in 20 WSL matches last season, becoming one of Manchester United's top goalscorers, scoring one goal for every 156 minutes of WSL football , and has scored a total of 27 goals in 59 games for the club in all competitions since arriving in 2020.
The news comes as Spain's United right-back Ona Batlle, who also ended his contract this summer, has been closely linked with a move to Barcelona in what could be a double whammy for Mark Skinner's team.
Why is Russo leaving and where will she go next?
The departure of the Lionesses star will hit Manchester United fans hard as Russo was named the club's Player of the Year in May. She also supported Manchester United as a child.
In a video posted to her social media channels, Russo expressed her gratitude for «living out my dream» of representing the club, saying: «If I ever picture myself as a little girl, I'm wearing a United shirt.»
“I will miss my teammates, fans and club staff very much. Thank you to each and every one of you for letting me make my dream come true. Wearing the number 23 shirt is a pleasure.”
It was the most difficult decision I have ever had to make. @ManUtdWomen thanks for everything ❤️ pic.twitter.com/kzvQ0zgL9V
— Alessia Russo (@alessiarusso7) June 16, 2023
However, the two parties were somewhat at odds in contract negotiations early in the season, and the longer the matter remained unresolved, the more likely it became that the 2022–23 season would be her last campaign at the club, even as the club increased its entry into European football. for the next term.
It is speculated that Manchester United's latest offer met Russo's wage requirements and would have made her their highest paid player, but there was frustration in her camp that those conditions had not been met earlier in the season and a sense that that was it. perhaps too little too late.
Arsenal's interest has been quite clear ever since they attempted to sign her on the dramatic last day of January for a fee in the region of £500,000 and it is believed the club from north London to negotiate with Rousseau's representatives. Jonas Eidevall's team is considered her most likely destination in early July.
However, several clubs in NWSL America have made contract offers and Russo previously lived, played and studied in the US when she was with North Carolina Tar Heels.
Wherever she decides to go, she is expected to try and tie everything before England flies to Australia on July 5 for her overseas warm-up camp ahead of the World Championship starting on July 20.< /p>
Свежие комментарии