England striker Alessia Russo is set to leave Manchester United this summer, the club has announced.
This means the 24-year-old will become a free agent when her contract expires at the end of June.
A tweet from United this morning confirmed Russo’s exit.
Thank you and good luck, @AlessiaRusso7 🔴
The @ManUtdWomen striker will leave the club at the end of June.#MUFC || #MUWomen
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 16, 2023
Russo was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in January, but the Gunners had a world record bid rejected by United (via Daily Mail), who were reluctant to let a star player leave midway through the season.
However, United’s inability to tie their star forward down to a new contract and the fact we are likely to lose Russo to Arsenal on a free transfer reflects badly on the club’s negotiating team.
Marc Skinner’s side went on to challenge for the WSL title but finished runners-up to Chelsea. The main plus from the season is having Champions League football to look forward to next term.
It’s a shame that Russo is leaving and Skinner will miss one of his star players next season. This will raise questions about the powers above – and whether they really care about the women’s team. We know they don’t because the Glazers care about nothing other than money.
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