Manchester United star Nikita Parris reportedly turned down a big-money move to the United States and NWSL last month in favor of potentially winning the FA Cup.
United are set to come up against Tottenham Hotspur in the Women’s FA Cup final on Sunday.
Marc Skinner’s side will be hoping for better fortunes this time around having been the losing team last year against Chelsea.
However, on this occasion, United are heading into the clash as firm favorites and according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Parris snubbed a huge payday to ensure the Red Devils got over the line.
Ornstein reveals, “Manchester United striker Nikita Parris turned down a lucrative move to the United States last month, prioritizing her team’s bid to win the FA Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.”
“Despite her contract expiring this summer, Parris was subject to a previously unreported pursuit by National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side North Carolina Courage.”
“An agreement had been reached between the clubs before the April 19 transfer deadline in what would have marked a record women’s sale for United, while the 30-year-old forward stood to earn £1million over a three-year deal.”
The Athletic note that all that was left was for the paperwork to be signed for Parris to then be officially considered a North Carolina Courage player.
Since Courage’s season was already underway, they wanted Parris to join them immediately.
However, the United striker made it clear she did not wish to leave until after the FA Cup final at Wembley is done.
On their part, Courage could not assure Parris they’d wait for her and as such, the transfer collapsed. It remains to be seen whether Courage reignite their interest in the 30-year-old when the NWSL transfer window reopens on August 1.
Ornstein adds that United must now decide whether or not they wish to extend Parris’ current terms. The club retain an option to extend her deal by an additional 12 months.
Parris has plundered an impressive 16 goals in 28 appearances this season.
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