Manchester City took a daring step when they overhauled their financial structure to make Bunny Shaw one of the best‑paid women footballers on the planet. Reconfiguring an entire wage hierarchy around a single player was once thought impossible, and many pundits doubted the club would have the nerve to do it.
At first, the executives at City seemed hesitant and even considered walking away from their star striker. The subsequent reversal, however, may prove to be a turning point that defines an entire generation of the club. In most footballing contexts, allocating such a large slice of the payroll to a single individual would be judged as risky, even reckless.
Yet Shaw is not just any player; she is irreplaceable on every level and arguably the finest talent the Women's Super League (WSL) has ever produced. Last season Shaw netted 27 goals in 32 appearances across all competitions for Manchester City. Her 21 league goals earned her a historic third consecutive Golden Boot, cementing her status as the backbone of City’s league‑and‑cup double.
While football is always a collective effort, Shaw’s influence has been unparalleled. The highest individual accolade she can receive – the PFA Player of the Year award – was bestowed upon her for the second time in three seasons, reflecting the respect of both teammates and opponents.
City’s manager, Andree Jeglertz, also deserves credit. He has unlocked new dimensions in Shaw’s game. The forward herself describes the transformation as "free football," a phrase that captures the shift from the more rigid tactics of former boss Gareth Taylor to Jeglertz’s fluid, attacking philosophy.
"Chemistry is the biggest thing," Shaw said while accepting her PFA trophy. She emphasised that her success is tied to the quality of the players around her. The squad’s depth has never been stronger, yet the market still lists them as second‑favourites behind Chelsea for this season’s title – a curious calculation given their recent dominance. The WSL’s news cycle is buzzing with transfer rumours and streaming options, but the core story remains City’s unprecedented ambition.
When Chelsea attempted to lure Shaw away, City responded by offering the most lucrative contract in the club’s history, securing the 29‑year‑old’s services for the long term. Now, with the contract signed, it is hard to imagine the brilliance of this squad fading quickly. Players admit it took time to develop the habits of champions – behaviours that only emerge through experience. Nevertheless, underestimating their current strength would be a mistake.
Shaw has remained injury‑free, allowing her to refine every aspect of her play. Her movement has become sharper, she discovers new blind‑spots in defences, and she exploits weaknesses that opponents previously ignored.
She has evolved into a creator as well as a finisher, acting as a conduit for teammates while still delivering a prolific goal tally – three short of City’s all‑time record. Her improvement has a ripple effect, inspiring others to raise their own standards. "I keep driving my personal standards because over the years I've noticed it rub off on everyone else," Shaw explained after receiving the PFA award. "The girls say I'm hard on myself, but I want to be better and help the team achieve the highest of highs." The Jamaican international’s ambition is relentless.
In a conversation before last season, she spoke of the potential she sees under Jeglertz: "If we can get it right on the pitch, we can be deadly. We can be unstoppable if we focus on the fine details the manager wants." City’s campaign began with a statement – they topped the WSL on 9 November and never looked back, entering February with an 11‑point cushion over their nearest rivals.
While it would be simplistic to claim the league will automatically return to City solely because of recent form or Shaw’s output, the contributions of the entire squad are undeniable. No single player, however brilliant, could have built such dominance alone. Shaw’s new contract, reportedly worth up to £1.6 million per year, signals a level of investment that rivals have never seen in the women’s game. It mirrors the strategic commitment Chelsea displayed under Emma Hayes, turning a single successful season into a sustained era of power.
The club’s willingness to let Kerolin depart for Barcelona in a record sale this summer, while simultaneously signing seasoned champion Beth Mead and nurturing a pool of younger talent, shows a new confidence in squad management. Jeglertz now has a menu of options, underscoring the depth and flexibility of the roster.
By finally stepping out of the comfort zone that saw a decade pass between their first two WSL titles, City appears ready to start a new chapter. With bold financial moves, a clear tactical vision, and a star forward who embodies both excellence and relentless self‑improvement, the foundations are laid for what could become a fresh dynasty in English women’s football.
Fans can catch the season opener against Birmingham live on Sky Sports at 2.30 pm on Sunday, and the club continues to engage supporters with promotions such as the Super 6 competition, offering a chance to win £1 million for free entry.