Manchester United and Manchester City are on the verge of a high-profile swap deal involving England internationals Grace Clinton and Jess Park. Both players were part of the Lionesses squad that lifted the Euro 2025 trophy and are now set for major moves ahead of the Women’s Super League deadline.
United midfielder Clinton has just one year left on her contract and has been linked with City, Arsenal, and Chelsea throughout the summer. Reports now suggest a transfer to Manchester City is “more likely,” particularly with Jess Park set to move in the opposite direction.
According to the BBC, Park is closing in on a move to United and is scheduled for her medical today. The 23-year-old would become United’s third summer signing after the arrivals of Fridolina Rolfo from Barcelona and Julia Zigiotti Olme from Bayern Munich.
Park is a long-time City player, having made her senior debut as a 16-year-old in 2017 and reaching her 100th appearance last season. Despite that commitment, she now looks set to cross the city divide to join United, who can also offer Champions League football this season after finishing above City last term.
Meanwhile, Clinton appears destined to move in the other direction. The 21-year-old midfielder was linked with City last month, though United boss Marc Skinner insisted she was “not leaving.” However, Clinton’s absence from Champions League qualifiers against PSV and Hammarby only added to speculation. With her contract expiring next summer, United are reluctant to risk losing her on a free transfer, making a move to City increasingly likely.
If the swap is completed, both clubs will see exciting, young England internationals changing sides in one of the WSL’s most surprising summer storylines. United would gain a creative midfielder in Park to boost their European campaign, while City would secure Clinton, a rising star with huge potential.
The transfer deadline for both deals is 11pm on Thursday, September 4, just one day before the new WSL season begins with Chelsea hosting Manchester City. With the clock ticking, all eyes will be on whether United and City can finalise the moves in time.
