In a transfer story that has set tongues wagging in the football world, Manchester City forward Chloe Kelly has reportedly been linked with a shock loan move to Manchester United. The move, if it materializes, would be one of the most surprising transfers of the January window, as the two clubs are fierce rivals in the Women’s Super League (WSL).
Kelly, who is best known for her crucial role in England’s victory at the 2022 UEFA Women’s Euro Championship, has been a key figure at Manchester City for some time. However, recent reports have indicated that her future at the club may be uncertain, especially with her contract set to expire in the summer of 2025. With the potential arrival of Brazil international Kerolin, who is a free agent after leaving North Carolina Courage, Chloe Kelly could see her role at City further diminished.
In light of these developments, speculation has intensified around Chloe Kelly’s future, with some sources suggesting that she could make a shock move to Manchester United on loan for the remainder of the 2024/25 season. This report has raised eyebrows and left fans and pundits alike wondering if one of City’s star players might soon be donning the red shirt of their arch-rivals.
Kelly’s Current Situation at Manchester City
Chloe Kelly has had a somewhat turbulent start to the 2024/25 season at Manchester City. Despite being one of the standout players for England in their successful Euro 2022 campaign, Chloe Kelly has struggled to secure a regular starting spot in Gareth Taylor’s side this season. Having only started one Women’s Super League (WSL) match so far, Chloe Kelly has found herself increasingly sidelined in favor of other attacking options in City’s squad.
Her omission from the squad for the highly anticipated derby clash against Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium only added fuel to the fire of rumors linking her to a move away from the club. City head coach Gareth Taylor confirmed that Chloe Kelly had been training with the team but pulled out of the match due to an “ankle injury,” and he quickly dismissed any suggestion that her absence was related to a potential transfer.
Taylor’s quick denial of any transfer rumors was echoed by United manager Marc Skinner, who also refrained from commenting on the matter. Skinner remarked that it would be “unfair” to discuss another club’s player in such a speculative manner. However, the fact that Chloe Kelly was left out of the matchday squad raised questions about her long-term future at Manchester City, particularly when coupled with the increasing competition for places in the squad.
A Move to Manchester United?
Reports from The Telegraph suggest that Chloe Kelly, 27, is reportedly “open to a move” to Manchester United on loan for the remainder of the 2024/25 season. If this move were to happen, it would undoubtedly be a huge shock in the footballing world, considering the fierce rivalry between the two Manchester clubs.
For United, this could be an exciting prospect as they look to strengthen their attacking options. Chloe Kelly has proven herself as one of the most talented and versatile forwards in women’s football, with the ability to play both as a winger and as a central forward. Her pace, technical ability, and knack for scoring crucial goals have made her an integral part of City’s setup in previous seasons. With United already boasting a strong squad under Marc Skinner, adding Kelly would be a major coup for the Red Devils, potentially elevating their title ambitions in the WSL.
However, it is also important to consider that Chloe Kelly’s move to United could be a short-term solution. Given that her contract is due to expire in the summer, the loan move could simply be a way to secure some playing time before making a decision on her long-term future. With Brazil international Kerolin reportedly on the brink of joining City, Kelly’s already limited playing time may become even more restricted, making a temporary move to a rival club like United an attractive proposition.
The Impact of Chloe Kelly’s Potential Move on City
Chloe Kelly’s departure from Manchester City on loan would leave a noticeable gap in the squad, especially in terms of depth in attack. City have already had to cope with a number of key players missing this season, including the likes of Khadija Shaw, Lauren Hemp, and Alex Greenwood, all of whom have been unavailable at various points. These absences have certainly had an impact on City’s performances, and the loss of Chloe Kelly, even temporarily, would further complicate their situation.
While City have made two signings in the January transfer window, bringing in defender Rebecca Knaak from FC Rosengard and Japanese midfielder Aemu Oyama, the squad’s attacking options have not been significantly bolstered. As a result, losing Chloe Kelly to a rival club could weaken the team’s attacking depth, potentially limiting Taylor’s tactical flexibility in the second half of the season.
Kelly’s Contract and the Role of Competition
Chloe Kelly’s contract situation at Manchester City has been a topic of discussion for some time. With her current deal set to expire in the summer of 2025, it’s unclear whether she will sign an extension with City or look for a new challenge elsewhere. Given her status as a key player for both club and country, it seems likely that Chloe Kelly will attract interest from other top clubs in Europe and beyond, including United.
At City, Kelly faces increased competition for places, especially with the anticipated signing of Brazil’s Kerolin, who is expected to join the club after leaving North Carolina Courage. Kerolin, a highly skilled and dynamic forward, would add another layer of competition in an already crowded attacking lineup. If Kelly does indeed remain at City, she will have to contend with not only the likes of Hemp and Shaw but also the new arrivals to secure a starting position.
This increased competition for places could influence Kelly’s decision to pursue a move, especially if she feels that her role at City is becoming increasingly limited. A loan move to United would offer her the chance to play regular first-team football and prove her worth on the pitch, potentially boosting her prospects of securing a long-term deal elsewhere if she decides not to stay at City.
Manchester United’s Growing Ambitions
Manchester United’s women’s team has been making significant strides in recent seasons. Under manager Marc Skinner, United has become a formidable force in the WSL and in European competitions, regularly competing for titles and securing top-four finishes. This growing ambition has seen the club invest in top-quality players, and the potential signing of Chloe Kelly would further underline their commitment to competing at the highest level.
United’s attack, led by the likes of Alessia Russo and Rachel Williams, has been strong this season, but the addition of a player like Kelly could provide an added dimension to their offensive play. Kelly’s versatility and ability to play in various attacking positions would give Skinner more options when selecting his lineup, allowing him to rotate his squad effectively over the course of a demanding season.
For United, signing Kelly would also be a statement of intent. Acquiring a player of Kelly’s calibre from a direct rival like Manchester City would send a clear message that United is ready to challenge for the WSL title and compete in Europe. With Kelly’s track record of success at both the club and international levels, she would undoubtedly strengthen United’s squad and further enhance their chances of achieving success in both domestic and international competitions.
Conclusion
The speculation surrounding Chloe Kelly’s potential loan move to Manchester United has created plenty of excitement and intrigue in the women’s football world. With Kelly’s current situation at Manchester City and the increased competition for places in the squad, a move to United could offer her the chance to play regular first-team football and continue her development.
For City, losing Kelly, even on loan, would be a blow to their attacking depth, particularly as they seek to rebuild their squad following a disappointing start to the 2024/25 season. Meanwhile, United’s growing ambitions could make a move for Kelly a statement of intent as they look to compete with the best in the WSL and beyond.
While the move has not yet been confirmed, all eyes will be on the final weeks of the January transfer window as the situation develops. Regardless of whether Kelly ultimately makes the move to United, the speculation surrounding her future is a sign of the shifting dynamics in women’s football and the growing competitiveness between the top clubs in the WSL.
