Man Utd sign Nikita Parris from WSL rivals Arsenal
Manchester United have signed England forward Nikita Parris from Arsenal as they seek to build attacking depth in a squad that narrowly missed out on a Champions League place last season.
She has signed a two-year contract with United until the end of the 2023/24 season.
Parris joined Arsenal from Lyon just last summer in substantial deal worth up to £86,000, but she struggled to command a regular place and disappointingly finished the campaign with only one WSL goal - a last minute penalty in the final month of the season.
The player had previously scored 19 goals in 19 league appearances for Manchester City during the 2018/19 season, on top of another 11 a year prior. She also enjoyed a respectable goal return during two years with Lyon, missing the 2020 Champions League final through suspension. This summer, the 28-year-old was part of England's Euro 2022 winning squad.
“It feels unbelievable to be here. It’s been quite a summer, and this tops it off" Parris said.
"Manchester United is an historic club who are making big movements in the WSL and I can’t wait to be a part of our future success. With my winning mentality in matches and training, I want to help this team move forward and grow. I’m not the only new signing this summer, which shows the intention of the club to do exactly that. I’m so happy to be here and can’t wait to get started.”
Marc Skinner said, “Nikita’s winning pedigree will be a great addition to our team. She is a proven winner on both the domestic and international stage and will bring a real maturity to the environment. Securing a player of Nikita’s calibre cements this great club’s ambition for the season ahead and we look forward to welcoming her into pre-season, after a well-deserved rest!”
Parris is versatile enough to play as a winger or ‘number nine’ and adds to the attacking depth that has already been boosted by the arrivals of Canada international Adriana Leon, Rachel Williams and Lucia Garcia providing invaluable competition for the likes of Alessia Russo and Martha Thomas.
United have also added defensive talent Maya Le Tissier and young midfielder Grace Clinton.
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