The young player's departure had been rumored for some time. She had been linked with Chelsea and Arsenal, and most recently there had been talk of a swap deal involving Jess Park from Manchester City. Clinton confirmed her departure on her Instagram account.
- On 4 September 2025, 22-year-old midfielder Grace Clinton confirmed she is leaving Manchester United, issuing a heartfelt statement thanking fans and teammates but noting that “the future of the club and I aren’t on the same page.”
- Clinton is set to join Manchester City, while Jess Park (23) moves the opposite way to United. Both transfers are separate deals with fees, though City will pay a higher sum for Clinton—leaving United with a net profit.
- Clinton had been under contract with United until 2026, following the club’s use of a one-year extension option. Her move to City will mean forfeiting Champions League football, after United edged City to qualification last season.
- Clinton joined in summer 2022 and shone on loan at Tottenham Hotspur, winning the PFA Young Player of the Year (2023–24). On her senior return to United, she scored eight league goals in the 2024–25 season, starting with her debut strike against West Ham in September 2024
