It's a massive, massive blow for City. This season has been so positive for the club, after such a long wait for another WSL title. The Cityzens have had plenty of near-misses since 2016, particularly in 2020, 2021 and 2024. In Andree Jeglertz's first year in charge, though, he has been able to guide this team over the line and Shaw has been a big reason for them getting the job done.
The 29-year-old has 19 goals in 21 WSL games this season, with her able to form a marvellous partnership with Vivianne Miedema thanks to Jeglertz's adjustments to the team's system. It's been something that has helped get the best out of the Dutchwoman again, too, who has had her most prolific season in several years after a torrid time with injuries.
It felt like City had laid a great foundation for the future and that they had so many great pieces in place to build around moving forward. However, the club will now be in the market for a striker this summer and it will be extremely difficult to replace a player who has scored more goals across Europe's top-five leagues than anyone else since her move to City, from Bordeaux, in 2021.