Grace Clinton has announced her departure from Manchester United as her move to Manchester City nears.

The Athletic reported on Wednesday that England duo Clinton and Jess Park were set to swap clubs after City and United agreed to trade the midfielders.

Clinton, 22, has now announced her departure from United via a statement that read: “The club and I have taken the decision to part ways over the past few days.

“To our supporters, from the day I signed as a teenager, I was overwhelmed by your support for me and the team. You are an unbelievable fan base and always our 12th player.

“This has been a very difficult decision for me because of the love I have for my teammates and for you, the fans. However, I feel the future of the club and I aren’t on the same page.

“For me personally, the next step is about growth. I want to continue to develop and learn. Thank you for everything.”

The deals are separate acquisitions, both with transfer fees. City are set to pay a higher sum for Clinton than United will for Park and so United will end up banking a profit.

Park has agreed personal terms and completed her medical but the contract is yet to be signed. The pair were part of England’s European Championship-winning squad this summer and compete for the No 10 role at international level.

Park, 23, and Clinton, 22, were both part of England’s 2025 European Championship-winning squad. The two players compete for the No 10 position at international level, while Clinton can also operate in a deeper midfield role

Clinton was under contract with United until 2026 after they triggered the one-year extension option in her deal. 

A transfer to City would see Clinton forfeit Champions League football after United beat them to the final qualifying spot in the Women’s Super League last season.

Clinton joined United in the summer of 2022 and won the PFA young player of the year award after a strong 2023-24 season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur. The England international made her senior United debut on her return, scoring the first of her eight league goals last season against West Ham in September 2024. 

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