Keating Rejects City Contract
Khiara Keating has turned down a new contract offer from Manchester City, casting serious doubt over her future with the Women's Super League champions. The 21-year-old England goalkeeper, a lifelong City fan and academy graduate, sees her current deal expire next year and is believed to be considering a summer exit in search of regular first-team football.
Keating made just four WSL starts last season, largely playing second fiddle to Japanese international Ayaka Yamashita, as City stormed to a league and Women's FA Cup double. Despite being part of a history-making squad, the limited minutes have forced a rethink over where she can best develop her considerable talent.
"Khiara wants to be playing week in, week out, and the competition at City is fierce," a source close to the player told BBC Sport. "She's grateful for everything the club has given her, but she has to think about her career."
Why She Wants to Leave
Keating enjoyed a stunning breakout in the 2023‑24 campaign, becoming the youngest-ever goalkeeper to claim the WSL Golden Glove at just 19, with nine clean sheets. That form earned her an England call‑up and a place in the triumphant Euro 2025 squad, before making her senior international debut against Brazil in October.
However, she lost her spot in Sarina Wiegman's plans at the start of 2026 and missed the recent World Cup qualifiers with a concussion. With next year's Women's World Cup on the horizon, Keating knows regular club football is essential to force her way back into the England set‑up.
Liverpool Interest and Other Options
Liverpool are among the WSL sides showing strong interest in the young shot‑stopper. The Reds are in the market for a goalkeeper after Jennifer Falk's loan ended without a permanent deal, and manager Gareth Taylor – who gave Keating her WSL debut during his time at City – is an admirer.
Taylor oversaw Keating's rise in the 2023‑24 season and is believed to be monitoring her situation closely, although other clubs are also in the frame. With Mary Earps recently joining London City Lionesses on a two‑year deal, the goalkeeper landscape in England is shifting, and Keating could be the next to move.
Key Takeaways
- Contract rejection: Khiara Keating has turned down a new Manchester City deal, with her current terms running only until 2027.
- Game time dispute: The 21‑year‑old started just four WSL games last season behind Ayaka Yamashita.
- England ambitions: Keating wants to regain her Lionesses spot ahead of the 2027 Women's World Cup.
- Liverpool advantage: Manager Gareth Taylor, who launched her career at City, is keen on a reunion at Liverpool.
- Multiple suitors: Other WSL clubs are also monitoring the situation ahead of a possible summer transfer.
Quick Facts
Player: Khiara Keating
Age: 21
Current Club: Manchester City
Contract Expires: 2027
2023‑24 Achievement: Youngest WSL Golden Glove winner (9 clean sheets)
England Senior Debut: October 2025 vs Brazil
Major Honour: Euro 2025 winner