Whispers of Khadija “Bunny” Shaw moving to Chelsea have been circulating, but hold on. The Manchester City striker, the Women’s Super League’s leading goal scorer, hasn’t said a word publicly about her future. Neither club has made any official announcements, which makes all the talk just speculation right now.
Her contract with Manchester City runs out at the end of the 2025-26 WSL season. This opens the door for a free transfer domestically come summer 2026. Foreign clubs could even begin pre-contract talks as early as January 2026. It’s a big deal when a player of her caliber is available without a transfer fee.
The Rumor Mill Spins
Reports popped up around March 2026 across various outlets. Goal.com mentioned Chelsea is “considering a move” for Shaw, noting her contract situation and her status as the WSL’s top scorer. The Times described it as a “blockbuster move” on a free transfer, pointing to “doubt over City future.”
Lower-tier sources have been more direct. Febspot claimed Chelsea is “weighing up” a move because City contract talks have “stall[ed],” as reported by Febspot. But that claim about stalled talks isn’t backed up anywhere else. OneFootball also said Chelsea is “hoping to lure” Shaw for a “statement signing” since her contract ends this season, according to OneFootball.
We haven’t seen any confirmation from major outlets like BBC, Sky Sports, or ESPN. And Shaw herself, or either club, hasn’t posted anything on social media. It all just remains talk for now.
Shaw’s Status and City’s Dilemma
Khadija “Bunny” Shaw, 29, is a Jamaican international and a genuine force. She’s Manchester City’s record WSL scorer, with over 60 goals since joining in 2021. This 2025-26 season, she’s leading the WSL scoring charts, on track for the Golden Boot, all while City pushes for the title. She’s in top form.
City would surely want to keep a player like her. She arrived on a free from Bordeaux in 2021 and has been incredibly loyal. There were even links to Arsenal in 2024 that she reportedly rejected. It’s tough to imagine City letting her go without a fight, especially with her value to the team.
The free transfer status makes her incredibly appealing. Chelsea, potentially looking to refresh their attack after the Sam Kerr era, would benefit from a “blockbuster” signing without a fee. This is a big draw for any club, really.
What Comes Next?
Right now, this whole situation feels stuck. The initial reports came out, but there’s been no real progress. No one’s talking about medicals or personal terms being agreed. It’s still just a static rumor. Many players in her position end up signing extensions with their current clubs.
Manchester City will almost certainly offer her a new deal. She’s a huge asset. Her loyalty to City has been clear in the past. It feels like there’s a good chance she extends her stay. Chelsea might be interested, but the ball is still in City’s court, and more importantly, in Bunny Shaw’s hands.
Until something official drops from Tier 1 sources, fans will just have to wait. This sort of speculation is part of the WSL transfer cycle. Keep an eye on the official channels for any real news.
