‘Best decision’ for Mary Earps? Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman reacts to Man Utd exit & PSG transfer for England goalkeeper

The 31-year-old has severed ties with the Red Devils after five years with the WSL outfit. She became a European Championship winner and two-time Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper while in Manchester, and helped United to an FA Cup triumph last season.

Earps has now decided to head for France as a free agent, following in the footsteps of international colleagues Lucy Bronze, Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway when it comes to trying her luck outside of England.

Lionesses boss Wiegman has said of seeing another star turn leave her comfort zone: “We've seen [successful] transfers from [WSL] players that went abroad. For example Keira, she went to Barcelona. After she made the decision look at where we are now, I think she made a very good choice - it was her choice. I wouldn't say I want [the players] to stay here, or go there. I want them to take the best decision for them in that moment to be the best player they can be.”

Earps picked up a hip injury during her last appearance for England, against France, but has been included in Wiegman’s plans for Euro 2025 qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland and Sweden. Wiegman said when delivering a fitness update: “She's doing well. We're working on rehab still, but [Earps] is progressing well. And as far as it stands now, she will be available for July 12 and 16.”

Those outings will help to ready Earps for a new challenge in France, with a fresh start that should offer her shots at major silverware on a regular basis being embraced. She will, however, be eager to help England get their European Championship qualification campaign back on track before turning full attention to domestic matters.