"Offers had come in, and sources told ESPN that both Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion made loan approaches, but although she wanted to remain closer to home in Manchester, City weren't keen for her to join their rivals and eventually accepted Brighton's offer ahead of deadline day. Kelly didn't want to go to Brighton, however. So, with no movement over a new contract at City and her mental health deteriorating on the sidelines, she took the bold step of speaking out publicly."
"The post triggered a wave of support. Her England teammates rallied around her, fans voiced solidarity, and even celebrities weighed in. It was clear that Kelly, usually so composed, had reached a breaking point. She wasn't just desperate for minutes on the pitch; she was fighting for her future in the sport. Another six months on the bench would have destroyed her career."
"Then, as the final hours of the transfer window ticked down, a twist: Arsenal made their move. The club where Kelly had spent her formative years, rising through the academy and making her senior debut before leaving for Everton aged 18 in 2018, offered her a short-term loan deal, and she accepted. There was no tearful goodbye at leaving City, just relief."
In January 2025 Chloe Kelly nearly left football after months on the Manchester City bench with her contract expiring and being blocked from a move. Transfer offers arrived, including approaches from Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion, but City rejected rival moves and accepted Brighton's loan ahead of the deadline. Kelly refused Brighton, endured deteriorating mental health, and publicly condemned the club for "dictating" her next move and certain individuals' "negative behavior." Widespread support followed from teammates, fans and celebrities. Arsenal secured a short-term loan in the final hours and she accepted, leaving City relieved.
Read at ESPN.com
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