Versatile and prolific Jamaica international forward Khadija Shaw has signed for Manchester City’s Women’s team on a three year deal.
Shaw, also known as “Bunny”, will move to the Academy Stadium at the start of July after her current contract with Division 1 Feminine side Bordeux expires.
She will take the number 21 shirt vacated by American midfielder Rose Lavelle.
Shaw scored 24 times in 21 appearances last term and at 5ft 11in will provide the kind of physical presence that Sam Mewis brought to City last season along with pace and technical ability to match as a forward who can play both wide and through the centre.
Shaw will also compete with established England international striker Ellen White for a position up front if she doesn’t play as a deeper lying player although she could replace the injured Chloe Kelly on the right flank in the short term.
Born in Spanish Town, Jamaica, Shaw spent time in US College football with Eastern Florida State College Titans and University of Tennessee, and went to Florida Krush before moving to France in 2019 with Bordeaux in August of that year.
Her career in Europe started with two goals on her Bordeaux debut in a 4-1 win over FC Fleury 91 as she finished with ten goals in 15 appearances at the end of her first term for the French team
Shaw had already made her International debut for the Reggae Girlz, scoring twice in a 6-0 win over the Dominican Republic and going on to score 42 goals in just 30 appearances to become Jamaica’s all time leading goalscorer – including a brace against new team mate Caroline Weir’s Scotland in Augut 2015 at Hampden Park.
Speaking about her move, Shaw said: “It feels amazing to be a Manchester City player.
“I chose this Club because I want to be a part of the environment, the culture and to play for this amazing team.
“I want to be tested and there is so much experience in the team here, so I know I will learn a lot from everybody around me.
“I grew up as a City fan, and I even have some family members who live in Manchester – when I told them about my move, they were so happy and excited.
“I’ve always watched the English game and it’s something that I’ve always wanted to be a part of – the Barclays FAWSL is growing and developing tremendously, and I feel as though this is the perfect move for me.”
Head Coach Gareth Taylor added: “We’re delighted to welcome Khadija to Manchester City.
She’s a very talented young player and we’re pleased that we’ve been able to add her to our already productive forward line.
“She’s enjoyed a successful couple of years in France with Bordeaux and the fact that she finished as the league’s top scorer this past campaign speaks volumes about the calibre of player that she is.
“Her form on the international stage is incredibly impressive too and we’re very much looking forward to working with her over the coming seasons.”
Managing Director Gavin Makel concluded: “Khadija is one of the most exciting up and coming talents within the women’s game.
“Her goalscoring record over the last couple of seasons is up there with some of the best in the world and we hope that she will continue that in the sky blue of Manchester City.”